It’s The Little Things That Count: Dynamic systems, postural control and functional movement in babies with neurodiversity

Children under 2 years of age attend therapy for a variety of concerns, such as torticollis, struggling with tummy time, eating difficulties or delays in movement milestones. However, there is often no clear explanation as to why these issues may be occurring. Postural control is fundamental to the development of all functional movement and many neurodiverse profiles include postural control differences present from birth. Ideally, a whole-body approach to functional movement that encompasses a systems approach to postural control contributions would be part of every assessment.

In this presentation participants learn about a dynamic systems model of postural control, which encompasses 12 component systems and their interconnections. This model forms the frame of reference for the rest of the discussion. Postural control development in the first 12 months is summarized and a brief review of research regarding postural control in neurodiverse profiles adds to the learner’s knowledge base. Finally, clinicians learn the characteristics of a common clinical profile in children presenting for therapy under the age of 2 years and connect this model to clinical management through a case presentation.