Butterfingers and busy brains
BY DR DORTE BLADT
Butterfingers and Busy Brains
As Toby makes his way from the reception area to my exam room, I can see the trouble brewing. The seven-year-old carries a cup of water in his hand… The way he holds it, I know, I KNOW, that something is going to happen. Sure enough, as he sits in the chair so we can have a chat about his difficulties at school, the cup slides out of his hands onto the floor. Oh well.
While a few clumsy moments are perfectly normal, frequent slips, spills and shoulder-charged doorways can sometimes be signs of something more, particularly in children dealing with both coordination and focus challenges. And intriguingly, research indicates that half the kids who struggle with attention also suffer with coordination challenges – just like Toby.
Movement and attention link
The medical term for significant clumsiness is Developmental Coordination Disorder. DCD affects a child’s ability to perform daily activities that require motor skills, like tying shoes, holding a pencil and even walking or running. And it is not only movement that is involved; it frequently impacts social, academic, and emotional well-being as well. Approximately 5-20% of school-aged children experience DCD.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which affects about 8-10% of children, is more widely recognized and involves symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This might mean difficulty sitting still, poor concentration, excessive talking, constant fidgeting, and challenges waiting their turn.
The overlap in DCD and ADHD provides a unique challenge and opportunity for chiropractors to develop strategies that can address both motor and attentional concerns in children, ultimately looking to improve their overall quality of life.
How chiropractic care can support your child
Assessing key developmental areas:
We specifically evaluate brain functions such as coordination, balance, and primitive reflexes to see if and how we can best support your child’s needs.
Individualised care plan:
Based on the developmental assessment, a care plan is tailored to optimise your child’s function.
Support for focus and attention:
Movement and proprioceptive (body awareness) exercises can positively impact both motor function and focus, giving your child a more holistic support system.
Helping the whole family thrive
For parents, helping a child improve coordination and focus can significantly reduce frustration and bring more ease to daily routines, from getting ready for school to managing tasks at home. Children can gain confidence, feel more capable in school and social settings and enjoy a greater sense of well-being as they learn new skills. A win for everyone!
As always, we’re here to answer any questions you have and support your child’s unique journey toward a healthier, more confident self!
Warm regards,
Dorte and The Family Chiro Team
