“How do I know when my child is going to flip out or disconnect?

Children have the ability to sustain attention and even increase their focus. This is acheived when the “just right” body posturing and movement sequence has occurred.

When Julia appears most calm she is sitting upright at her table playing with her toys or drawing on her paper. When she is dis-regulated (not organized or comfortable in her body) she will fall to the ground or run to and from adults/children.

In the therapeutic setting, we explore, with Julia, how to identify these movement planes (dimensions) in order to support the “just right” states of engagement for her.

Her parents can visually see, that when she starts to lower her body to the ground in the vertical plane (up and down) then she needs support. When she moves towards and away from them (sagitally – forward and back), she needs their support.

Next, we practice. We move in these dimensions. What activitites help Julia feel comfortable? Yep, the horizontal plane (side to side) playing with toys moving side to side, rocking, and rolling trains, side to side. Each sequence of interacting with Julia can then take this pattern. First, side to side play (horizontal), moving into sitting up at a table or standing (vertical), and lastly the moving towards one another in passing, turn taking, and problem solving play (sagital).

Now, when her parents feel stuck they think about these dimensions of movement and create an opportunity to connect.

Did you know your child’s patterns of movement can key you into more understanding and connection? Everyday I work with children of all ages and their families to help support the meaningful connection and ideas expressed by each other! Email me at therapy@drloribaudino.com or call me at (310) 966-0700 to schedule your time.

Please Note: These stories are based on real moments but all names, ages, and identifying information has been changed to ensure confidentiality and safety for all individuals involved. The events are a composite of related scenarios used to illustrate the work; bringing understanding to the benefits of supporting children through a mind/body connection.