Understanding Motor Skills in Children with Dyspraxia, ADHD, Autism, and Other Learning Disabilities: A Guide to Improving Coordination

by Elizabeth A Kurtz

Overview

The book is user-friendly and includes clear diagrams in each section, along with tables to outline key points. I found these very useful and they are an easy reference/ reminder, for example, they include a normal development chart, what assessments are available and their main aims.'

- National Association of Paediatric Occupational Therapists

Coordination problems often make everyday activities a challenge for children with learning disabilities. This accessible manual offers practical strategies and advice for helping children with coordination difficulties.

The author explains how to recognize normal and abnormal motor development, when and how to seek help, and includes specific teaching strategies to help children with coordination difficulties succeed in the classroom, playground, and home. She describes a wide range of therapeutic methods and provides a comprehensive list of resources.

Full of practical help, this is essential reading for anyone caring for, or working with, children with developmental motor concerns.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781846426728
Publisher:	Kingsley, Jessica Publishers
Publication date:	10/15/2007
Series:	JKP Essentials
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	160
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Lisa A. Kurtz is a pediatric occupational therapist and reading specialist, and has worked with children with special needs for over 33 years. She currently works at the Jameson Elementary School in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, and was formerly Director of Occupational Therapy for the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the Children's Seashore House. For her contributions to training others about children with disabilities, Lisa has been placed on the Roster of Fellows and was awarded the Recognition of Achievement Award by the American Occupational Therapy Association. She is the author of Visual Perception Problems in Children with AD/HD, Autism, and Other Learning Disabilities published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Table of Contents

Part I: Understanding the Nature of Motor Skills. 1.The Development of Motor Skills. 2. Finding Professional Help. 3. General Principles for Intervention. Part II: Practical Strategies and Activities for Home and School. 4. Promoting Basic Motor Skills. 5. Teaching Independence in Daily Living Skills. 6. Addressing Problems with Classroom Skills. 7. The Social Impact of Coordination Difficulties. Glossary. Appendix I: Tests and Assessment Tools. Appendix II: Recommended Reading. Appendix III: Helpful Agencies and Organizations. Appendix IV: Suppliers of Toys, Tests, and other Educational Materials. Index.

Editorial Reviews

‘With so much practical advice this book offers value for money...It's arranged in a logical, clear way with an excellent contents page and glossary. Part 1 'Understanding the nature of motor skills' is theory based and concise. Part 2 does just as it says, offering 'Practical strategies and activities for home and school'. The activities recognise different learning styles and are clearly described. The tables in each chapter are particularly helpful...I would recommend reading the whole book then dipping into it when strategies are needed or for reference. Finding what is wanted should prove quick and easy.‘

Speech & Languager Therapy in Practice

The practical information contained in this book would be a useful addition to any paediatric therapy department or school library, for both students and professionals involved in the management of chidren with these disabilities.

Phisiotherapy

The seven chapters are short and well-structured and written in an accessible style for the professional and non-professional reader alike. Illustrations and bullet points are used throughout which make the content accessible and user friendly. I would recommend the book to students, newly qualified therapists and therapists returning to work in the area, as well as parents aand teachers of children with motor co-ordination delay, with some provisos.

Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation