Autistic Developmental Challenges

Six basic developmental skills lay a foundation for learning

ICDL, The Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders website provides insight of the milestones needed to lay a solid foundation for learning and development. Autistic and other special need students need more time and help to master these skills. ICDL addresses this challenge with their DIR®/Floortime program that targets social interactions and problem solving, as well as sensory-integration therapy, designed to change the way the brain processes sensory input.

An article written on Edutopia focuses on Overcoming Autism: Public Schools Deal with a Growing Problem

Health Benefits of Generosity

Giving is Good for Our Health

M. J. Ryan author of The Giving Heart describes the positive effects of generosity on the mindbody. Not only do we make others feel good, we can also increase our physical well-being, raising endorphins in the bloodstream to relieve pain, increasing the number of T-cells in the immune system to help resist disease, feeling simultaneously energized and calm, and extending our lifespan.

Let’s be mindful of Etienne de Grellet’s words, “I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

Or remember Ellen Glasgow words, “You can't take it with you. You never see a U-haul following a hearse.”

Yoga for All Ages

Older Adults Increasingly Turn to Yoga for Health

John Hanc writing for the AARP Bulletin Today offers good reason for older adults to practice the physical type of yoga designed to keep the muscles and joints resilient. I agree wholeheartedly with John about picking a knowledgeable yoga instructor sensitive to the aging body. Every pose has its variations suitable to people with stiff joints and those most supple. The key is keeping within your own daily comfort level. Proper breathing is also essential.

Serious Need for Play

Social, emotional and cognitive development rises from play


Scientific American Mind article written by Melinda Wenner cites compelling reasons to extend childhood play largely for social and emotional reasons. The article failed to address sensory motor development that comes from play. The visual, auditory, vestibular, tactile and kinesthetic systems are strengthened, allowing children to be more successful later on in school, writing, reading and carrying on other academic performance skills. This Body-brain Boogie Blog playfully works to fill in this gap, showing how play is core essential to learning.

Fuzzy Kisses

Early Childhood Brain Insights Blog

Early Childhood Brain Insights written by Deborah McNelis is well worth your time. Be sure to click on the videos showing the baby getting hysterical tearing paper and the baby finding the dog’s paw -- precious. Many excellent child development ideas are found on this body brain enriching Blog – Fuzzy Kisses and all -- way to go Deborah!

Squeeze In Daily Exercise

Finding Fitness: 10 Easy Ways to Fit in Exercise

Everyday Health website’s article by Beth Orenstein suggests ten ways to get your 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activities spread over five days a week, or 20 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity on each of three days a week. Be less efficient carrying groceries and laundry, making more trips carrying lesser amounts on each trip… and other useful ways to bring more movement to each day. Are you standing up, stretching while reading this post? I am standing on my balance board while writing it. Let's have fun exercising the body brain. Jeff

Mind Your Room Design

How Room Designs Affect Your Work and Mood

Emily Anthes writing for the Scientific American Mind cites brain research showing how to craft spaces that “relax, inspire, awaken, comfort and heal.” The article urges us to fabricate rooms and buildings with the Mind in Mind. Ceiling height, greenery, sunlight, room contents, furniture choices, all have a bearing on our moods and our ability to attend and think. In fact, students can perform better on their test scores with wise school design. Neuroeducation the new buzz may get into furniture and light fixtures… as well as body brain enhancing teaching and learning methods – the focus of this Blog.