Foundations of Development

A couple of weeks ago, Lisa talked about how development is similar to the development of a strong, sturdy tree.  This picture provides some greater details of how development occurs.  In order optimize development of various skills such as fine motor skills, speech and communication skills, complex thinking, and most importantly, self-confidence and JOY, the critical pieces of nervous system development need to be in place.   

Within all of us, our “roots” of health and optimal nervous system function include interoception and exteroception.  Interoception is an “inner” sense that helps you feel and understand what is going on inside of your body.  For example, hunger, fatigue, pain, thirst, or need to use the bathroom. Exteroception allows our nervous system to have awareness of our environment and changes within our immediate environment using our sensory systems.  Nutrition is key to optimizing how our nervous system functions.  Postural control begins to develop immediately at birth as our body now has to work against gravity.  It is how we learn to move our muscles, develop head control, find stability within our trunk, and learn to control movement of our arms and legs.  Skills continue to become more refined as you move up the “limbs” of the tree (our nervous system/brain development).  

Ensuring all of the foundational skills are developing correctly will help prevent issues or struggles later on in life.  Early identification of concerns + early intervention is key to supporting a strong foundation of development.  ProActive Pediatric Therapy therapists are experts in early identification and intervention.  Our goal is to be proactive in helping your infant and child’s nervous system have the foundational skills necessary to grow and THRIVE!