The
Brainforest™ was designed by REACH for Kid Time! Discovery
Experience. |
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REACH Method
For mothers and fathers, the sense that they have some measure of control over their child's well being is of utmost importance. Whether this involves a child faced with an illness, difficulty in school, or behavioral problems, parents naturally want to be part of the solution. Unfortunately, parents who have a child with developmental difficulties often find that they are considered part of the problem rather than part of the solution. The sense of hopelessness and incompetence that they experience can be devastating. We at REACH consider parents to be the crucial factor in achieving success. Therefore, by design, the REACH Method of Holistic Brain Development includes parents in the process of improving their child’s development.
We do this for a variety of reasons:
- First and most importantly, the power of parental love is the most powerful resource available for solving human problems.
- Second, parents are the first and best teachers that a child will ever have and are ideally suited to have a significant effect on a child's development.
- Third, parents are able to work with their child with much more frequency, intensity, and duration than traditional therapists, a factor that has proven positive results.
- Finally, it is economical. Parents doing the daily work with their child reduces the costs involved.
Charles and Conceição developed this approach through their work with children during the past 30 plus years. The method is based on the premise that optimum brain function and development is a prerequisite to successful function in life. It rests on the extraordinary capacity of the human brain to adapt itself in accord with experience, a phenomenon called brain plasticity.
Brain plasticity is the ability of the brain to modify its structure and chemistry in response to stimulation from the environment, the use of motor ability, and the presence of adequate nutrition. Although doubted for many decades, scientists now have solid scientific proof that the human brain goes through measurable structural and biochemical changes, particularly in the first years of life. The importance of this biological reality for the brain-injured child is incalculable, because it means that functional ability can be created.
- Vision can be developed in children neurologically blind!
- The child who is neurologically deaf can learn to hear!
- Immobile children can be taught to move and eventually to walk!
- The child with learning difficulties can be brought to intelligence!
These things are possible IF one follows some very simple principles that govern brain development. All functional ability is the result of the natural and orderly development of the brain. Brain development can be slowed or stopped, as happens with injury, but it can also be accelerated. The brain grows through use, an elegant illustration of nature’s law that says that function determines structure, which is how brain plasticity exists. The most efficient way to get information into the brain is to increase the frequency, the intensity and the duration with which the stimulus is applied.
There are three areas of paramount importance in the development of optimum brain function (click on the titles below to open and close the sections containing more information):
- Carefully planned programs of sensory stimulation, intellectual development, and physical or motor activities are specific to the individual needs of each child and young adult. Each program consists of both a sensory and a motor component.
- Intellectual development through programs
that teach children general knowledge, how to read, write, and
do mathematics.
- Physical programs create mobility and manual ability in children who cannot move and improve these functions in those who are able to move.
- Activities such as crawling, creeping, walking, running, and a variety of techniques improve balance and coordination.
- Structure of the vertebral column and skull is
essential to the normal function of the central nervous system.
- Structural deviations and abnormalities interfere with proper function of the central nervous system, and adversely affect functional ability and health.
- REACH strongly encourages families on our program to have their child’s structural condition evaluated, and if necessary, treated by Osteopathic Physicians or Chiropractors who address structural problems through gentle manipulation of the skull and vertebral column. See our Resources page for more information.
- The brain has a physiological need for protein, fat, vitamins and minerals, glucose, oxygen, and natural sunlight. This is fundamental to the efficient function of the brain.
- These needs are met through programs designed to improve nutrition, breathing ability, and receptivity to light and color.
- Families are encouraged to address health problems through an integration of modern/allopathic and traditional/natural medical approaches like homeopathy, naturopathy, and acupuncture.
Each of these areas individually has a positive effect on brain function and development. When all of these areas are addressed simultaneously in a cohesive program, the effect on brain function and development can be dramatic. The goal of the REACH Method of Holistic Brain Development is the achievement of each child's highest potential through the development of the whole brain.
