Key Features of Pattern Recognition

Key features of Pattern Recognition include the ability to identify and classify: What is it that I am seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, tasting? What goes with it? What do I do with the information? What comes next? Pattern Recognition can be problematic for children with Sensory Processing Disorders This type of problem solving can be problematic for the child with SPD in that pattern

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Pattern Recognition Part 1

Through Ages & Stages Pattern recognition, the ability to code information by analyzing features, comparing them with memory, and predicting what is likely to happen next is an essential aspect of learning. Sometimes the information to be recognized is  presented in the  auditory mode, such as when saying and repeating  numbers from 1-10 or letters, or when singing the “Alphabet Song”.  At other times

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Upper Body Strength

Increases independence in self care at home and fine motor success at school Low muscle tone, and poor coordination tend to be a problem for many children who have Sensory Processing Dysfunction and may result in weak upper body strength.  This impacts the muscles of the neck needed to hold the head in a centered position so that the eye muscles can work properly. 

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Activating the Vestibular Triad

stimulates eyes, ears, and coordination Although the vestibular system primarily responds to movements of the head, it   also responds to sensory  input from the ears and eyes.  Signals within the vestibular  system are protective. When stimulated, these signals work together on the muscles of the body   to position the head into an upright position. When stimulated, the vestibular system tends to prompt all of

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Visual Sequencing and Tracking Skills

Visual sequencing refers to the ability to organize images in a particular order. This skill is needed for success with reading, spelling (organizing letters in a particular order), mathematic operations, running bases in baseball, planning for moves in football, cheerleading, dancing, etc. The ability to organize visual images in any specific order begins with the ability to move the eyes from point to point

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Functional Vision: Beyond 20/20

Functional vision behavior includes more than 20/20 vision.  While use of vision for reading and handwriting or keyboarding are very important, use of the eyes for self care, guiding motor moves for coordination, identifying objects in the environment and determining  how they are used, are crucial for success with  independent living skills. Functional vision behavior can be strengthened through “play”,  by tapping into the

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Postural Control and Fine Motor Skills

Direct links exist between postural control and fine motor skills due to neuromotor pathways  that activate when heavy work is used.  The links include attention and control of movement for the muscles that move the eyes (i.e. reading) and those that move the hands (i.e. writing or keyboarding).   Postural control is an essential ingredient needed for successful  eye hand coordination skills.  When the

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Task Organization and Executive Functions

Practicing for success with Reading Comprehension Math ● Science ● Technology Task Organization is an “executive function” that is organized at the highest level  within the cortex of the brain.  Executive Functions have been described as a set of mental skills that help you get things done.  According to WebMD examples of executive functions include: Managing time Paying attention Switching focus Planning and organizing Remembering

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Fine Motor Skills Part 2

The Visual Component The ability to use vision to guide the sequencing of  motor output is a defining point in the development of fine motor competency. Acquisition of this skill allows for use of tools for self care, including utensils as well as grooming aids such as combs for hair care and razors for shaving. A growing child will also need to learn to

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Fine Motor Skills Part 1

The Motor Component combines visual guidance with hand function skills Fine motor skills develop throughout infancy and continue to develop through the teen years.  Initial developmental skills with hand function are directed toward success with: simple grasp patterns the ability to separate fingers for object manipulation the ability to use both hands together During the preschool years, grasp patterns mature to include recruiting vision

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