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What is Bilateral Coordination?

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Summary

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Bilateral coordination is using both sides of your body together, like a friendly dance. It helps you with simple things like tying shoes or cutting food. Kids practice this skill when they play games, climb, or color. Sometimes, they need a little extra help to get better at it. But don’t worry! With practice and patience, anyone can become a coordination champ.

Frequently Asked Question

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Can bilateral coordination be improved?

Yes, with practice and patience, bilateral coordination can be improved. Engaging in activities that require both hands, like playing catch or using a keyboard, can help build this skill.

How can I help my child with bilateral coordination?

Provide opportunities for your child to engage in activities that require using both hands, such as drawing, playing with playdough, or building with blocks. Offer support and encouragement to help them develop this skill.

Are there professionals who can help with bilateral coordination?

Absolutely! Pediatric therapists, special education teachers, and speech-language pathologists are trained to support children in developing bilateral coordination and other essential skills.

Scientific Definition

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Bilateral coordination is the key to having your two hands work together seamlessly. It’s all about using both sides of your body at the same time in a coordinated manner. This skill is crucial for everyday tasks like tying shoes, cutting food, and buttoning clothes. For kids, especially those with special needs, developing bilateral coordination can make a huge difference in gaining independence. It’s like a magical partnership between the brain and muscles, improving balance, strength, and overall movement. Playing with balls, climbing, and coloring are great ways for kids to practice this skill. If your child has developmental delays, special ed teachers and speech-language pathologists can provide support and guidance through fun activities to enhance bilateral coordination.

Video Explanation

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Treatment to Help with the Symptom Bilateral Coordination

To address the symptoms of Bilateral Coordination, consider the following strategies and activities:

  • Occupational therapy: Engaging in occupational therapy sessions with a trained therapist can provide targeted interventions and exercises to improve bilateral coordination.
  • Therapeutic activities: Encourage activities that involve bilateral movements, such as playing with building blocks, using scissors, or practicing buttoning clothes.
  • Sensory integration therapy: This specialized therapy can help individuals with sensory processing issues improve their ability to coordinate movements on both sides of the body.
  • Adaptive equipment: Utilize adaptive tools or equipment, such as pencil grips or weighted utensils, to support bilateral coordination during everyday tasks.

With early intervention and consistent therapy, individuals with Bilateral Coordination challenges can make significant progress in improving their coordination skills. While the rate of improvement may vary, many individuals are able to achieve functional levels of bilateral coordination and successfully participate in daily activities.

Conditions Associated with Bilateral Coordination

Bilateral coordination is an important skill that can be affected by certain conditions. Here are some conditions that may impact bilateral coordination:

  • Developmental delays: Some children may experience delays in their motor development, including bilateral coordination.
  • Sensory processing disorders: Conditions like sensory processing disorder can affect a child’s ability to integrate sensory information, which may impact bilateral coordination.
  • Autism spectrum disorders: Individuals on the autism spectrum may face challenges with bilateral coordination due to difficulties in motor planning and coordination.
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Children with ADHD may struggle with coordination and the ability to use both sides of their body simultaneously.
  • Cerebral palsy: This neurological condition can affect muscle control and coordination, including bilateral coordination.

It’s important to understand these factors to provide appropriate support and interventions for individuals who may be impacted by these conditions. Goally, our tablet, provides apps and features that help kids with bilateral coordination and other challenges. From digital visual schedules to gamified learning, emotional regulation, and social skills training, Goally supports children’s development and independence.

 

This post was originally published on April 8, 2023. It was updated on July 18, 2023.