The Conductive Learning Center...

I know that we have mentioned the Conductive Learning Center in a few other posts, but I thought that it was time to really explain what it was. Usually I take Grey there once a week for physical therapy...BUT...for the first three weeks in December we will be going there for 2 hours a day, 5 days a week. Yowza!! I'm a bit nervous to say the least, but Grey is learning so fast right now, and doing so well, that now is the perfect time! We give much credit to the CLC for all Grey has accomplished up to this point.

What Is Conductive Education?
Conductive education is an intensive, multi-disciplinary approach to education, training and development for individuals with cerebral palsy, spina bifida and other motor challenges.
Developed in 1945 in Hungary by Dr. Andras Peto, conductive education is based on the theory that the central nervous system has the capacity to form new neural connections, despite neurological damage. By repeating tasks and integrating intentional movement with learning, the brain creates alternate paths to send messages to muscle groups, creating the desired movements. Through this, a child can gain movement and skills, and achieve greater levels of independence. The critical element of conductive education is the integration of motor-skill development with cognitive and emotional-skill development within a group setting. Most children with motor challenges do not learn exactly the same way as their peers. Conductive education helps these students build their cognitive skills and helps them learn to use alternate strategies to learn. This total approach to learning and training targets children under the age of six, when the potential for impact is greatest, and when they can be prepared for the traditional classroom.
We feel so blessed to live in Grand Rapids because the Conductive Learning Center in Grand Rapids operates the only program in North America that is directed and supervised by the International Peto Institute of Conductive Education in Budapest, Hungary. Program Director Andrea Benyovszky has been the Peto- assigned conductor for the past four years. She coordinates the scheduling of the additional Peto Institute conductors, who travel to Grand Rapids to deliver the conductive education program.

Wow...that was a lot of info to take in, but I hope that you get the idea! :) Here is the latest video that they made for their annual dinner/fundraiser (take note of the cutie in the superman t shirt!)


Here are some photos of what we work on while we are there...

Right now Grey doesn't bear much weight, we are working on getting him to stand with his knees straight


We also work on kneeling: going from low kneeling to high kneeling he is getting pretty good at this!!



again, kneeling can't practice too much. :)


We also work on sitting with a straight back and feet planted on the floor. As he moves, this puts pressure and weight on his feet


There are many other things that we are working on that I just don't have pictures of, I just wanted to give you a little glimpse into our day there. Please keep us in your prayers these next 3 weeks, pray that Grey (and mom) can handle 2 hours a day, and that he learns a lot and above all else, has fun while he is doing it!! :)

Love to all,
Leigh, Andy and Greyson