Reflex exercises to help dyslexia

Exercise programmes made to improve reading through and writing abilities could supply the answer to changing the lives of dyslexic sufferers.

Earlier this year, pioneering research demonstrated exercises employed for astronauts created astonishing recent results for dyslexics. The exercise techniques were created by Nasa to combat temporary dyslexia experienced by astronauts and put on children to enhance co-ordination.

Now another bit of research claims that dyslexics could be assisted by learning exercises targeted at making use of reflexes, based on a number one psychiatrist.

Martin McPhillips from the Dyslexia Project - a partnership between Queen's College and also the Royal Maternity Hospital, Belfast - states the perfect programs made to make use of reflexes remaining from birth, can result in enhanced coordination.

The brand new exercises will also help both reading through and writing capabilities, and greatly raise the sufferer's confidence and self-esteem.

By searching in the actions produced by a foetus within the womb, McPhillips saw that particular 'primary reflexes' - like the palmar reflex in which a baby will grasp your hands should you put your finger on its palm - help with the foetus's development.

However, this changes after birth once the infant begins to adjust to its new upright position and 'secondary reflexes' dominate, permitting the infant just to walk around.

McPhillips whose jobs are featured within the latest problem from the Psychiatrist, found that lots of the dyslexic children he labored with still possessed strong primary reflexes. This limited remarkable ability to do abilities for example following words on the page or holding a pencil.

By watching how dyslexic children moved, McPhillips has developed a number of actions and exercises, made to turn off the main reflexes and promote co-ordination.

The strategy has to date been highly effective, which is thought that could be integrated into school Sports And Physical Eduction programmes.

This could help dyslexic children, as well as the believed 5 to 10 percent of faculty children who've some type of learning disability.

Lindsay Peer, Education Director from the British Dyslexia Association, welcomes the programme. 'Studies reveal that dyslexia is really a genetic nerve condition and then any more research determining what causes dyslexia is welcome.'

'It is crucial that instructors are educated to identify dyslexia in early stages, and when these exercises might be supported alongside multi-physical teaching - where children can study from writing, hearing, smelling and touch - it might be useful to dyslexic sufferers.'

To learn more contact Primary Movement, PO Box 49, Belfast BT6 0DB, tel: 028 90 222182 email: info@primarymovement.org or visit world wide web.primarymovment.org.