What you need to know about child learning & development difficulties

It’s only natural for parents to be concerned about their children; all parents experience a bit of anxiety from time to time. One major worry is the rise of child learning and development difficulties. These concerns can be hard to deal with. Especially with little understanding of what they are and how to manage them. We love kids. And we’re passionate about supporting parents too. So it was only natural for us to reach out to the best learning and development centre for kids in London, to learn more. With over 23 years of experience, The Child Development Centre shares with us their expertise; they’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions for you.

What are the most important things for a child’s development?

The first you may think obvious, but the second may surprise you.

Engagement: babies thrive when given constant stimulation, be it full conversation or movement. This is the same for toddlers and onward. Music grows the brain so rapidly that there is an average 7% increase in IQ and future life success for those who study an instrument when young.

Music grows the brain so rapidly that there is an average 7% increase in IQ.

Occasional Boredom: Children with iPads, TV, classes and school work, rarely have downtime or what we call boredom time. They are constantly switched on. This is increasingly leading to mental health problems and stress related issues. But just as importantly, constant technological stimulation removes the time for imaginary friends and games. Making up scenarios and allowing the brain to develop in a creative manner is so important. Academia is only one aspect of educational life and development.

My child is struggling or is often slightly behind their peers (socially, academically or in movement/development). How can I help them?

The first step is to understand exactly what they are contending with. All too often, disorders such as dyslexia and ADHD are misdiagnosed. Hard questions such as are they receiving enough attention from parents (we are all guilty of working too much or being too busy)? Are their behavioural issues to do with parenting or environmental factors or are there true physical reasons for the difficulties? We have a symptom checklist on our website for 4 years old and upwards.

What is causing the rise in the number of cases of Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and ADHD?

There is no one answer. The two main reasons are changing environmental factors and a shift in our understanding. The change in environmental factors include delay in maternal conception age, mothers working to full term, varying birth methods, diet and lack of movement in a child's early years. Now that we have a better understanding of the symptoms faced, we’re no longer just labelling children as underachievers or 'difficult'.

What is Retained Reflex Syndrome and who does it affect?

You may not have heard of Retained Reflex Syndrome (RRS) before, but the truth is if you are seeing symptoms in your child, it is likely that you have contended with some form of RRS throughout your own life. RRS is hereditary and is the underlying cause for all diagnoses of developmental disorders such as ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. It is the incorrect retention of early birth and development reflexes, that account for slight divergences in development. One retained reflex alone can often easily be overcome, but many together can make life quite a struggle. It is important to note this doesn’t affect IQ or intelligence, but rather it restricts the body's ability to execute day to day life efficiently. This includes social interaction & emotional development.

The Child Development Centre, has been operating for 23 years. They run several different methods and therapies to help children with RRS and developmental issues, with an individualized approach. The therapies used are all natural, non-invasive and drug-free. The revolutionary techniques used, have transformed the lives of thousands of children, along with the lives of their parents and extended families.