Many years of experience taught Charles and Conceição that
there are three areas of paramount importance in the development of optimum
brain function: enhanced sensory/motor function, structural integrity, and
optimum physiology.
Enhanced Sensory/Motor Function
- Carefully planned programs of sensory stimulation, intellectual development,
and physical or motor activities.
- 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 as well as how to read, write, and do mathematics.
- Physical programs to create mobility and manual ability in children who
cannot move and to improve these functions in those who can move.
- Activities such as crawling, creeping, walking, running, and a variety
of techniques to improve balance and coordination.
Structural Integrity
- Structure of vertebral column and skull is essential to the normal function
of the central nervous system.
- Structural deviations and abnormalities interfere with 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.
Optimum Physiology
- Basic to the efficient function of the brain.
- The brain has a physiological need for protein, fat, vitamins and minerals,
glucose, oxygen, and natural sunlight.
- Physiological 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 taken 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. In our efforts to help children we develop
function at all levels of the brain from the primitive medulla up to
the sophisticated cerebral cortex. At the level of the cerebral cortex
we are developing function in both cerebral hemispheres. 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.
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