At the Developmental Learning Centre, we believe our first task is to address the underlying immaturities and develop a good neurological foundation. Developmental Movement Therapy (Extra Lesson™) is one of the primary tools we use to accomplish this task. 

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This is an internationally recognised therapeutic programme which involves working one to one with one of our Developmental Movement Therapists (Extra Lesson™) This approach is combined with the latest in neuro-physiological research to provide an individualised movement therapy programme designed to remove the obstacles which are impeding learning and contribute to behavioural difficulties. 

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Central to this therapy is the idea that learning and behavioural difficulties are a result of developmental issues or mild delays in a child’s early years. Neural pathways (or wiring), and the other faculties needed for learning to be easeful, such as spatial orientation, body geography, balance and visual perceptual skills are not fully developed. A child can enter school without the equipment needed to take up learning, so is therefore not ready. By repeating early childhood movement patterns, we are able to ‘rewire’ brain and rebuild the “house of learning” from the foundation up.​​

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There are a specific series of movements which take a minimum of 30 weeks to complete and are essential to the maturation of the neurological system. A wide range of other exercises are also given which make each session varied and interesting. It is important for the therapist to work one on one with the client, closely observing responses to each exercise. Any obstructions to free movement will be noted and referrals may be made to other professionals as needed.​​

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​Throughout the week there will be 15 minutes' worth of exercises needed to be done daily. The home exercise programme is an essential key to successfully removing the underlying obstacles that affect learning capacity. Home practices are reviewed at each weekly session. The success of the programme depends to a large degree upon the commitment of the home exercise programme, as it is through repetition of the movements that the brain is able to mature, barriers are removed and the pathways needed for easeful learning are established. 

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Therapy Outline: 

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One-to-one session with a Developmental Movement therapist (EL)  once a week for 1hr, together with  15 minutes of daily home exercise practice, which is an essential part of the programme.