There are a number of different approaches and therapies available for children, young people and adults on the autistic spectrum, and the amount of information available on each one can be daunting for professionals and parents alike. "Autism, Educational and Theoretical Approaches" offers concise and clear explanations of a variety of…

Guidelines are discussed regarding the development and implementation of perceptual motor programs for autistic children. Among suggestions offered are to choose reasonable objectives, use movement to develop child-therapist rapport, emphasize the elements of transfer, use the kinesthetic approach and make use of teachable moments. (CL)

The article presents techniques for teaching gifted children with the clumsy child syndrome. (Author/SBH)

The paper describes approaches used to assess preverbal or nonverbal orthopedically handicapped infants. The first section describes a conceptual approach to development that differs from the normative approach. The conceptual development model emphasizes developmental structures rather than successive cumulative acquisitions of behavior. This…

Perceptual training activities are described for use in the regular primary or intermediate class that will not disrupt the academic program. Materials and procedures are considered for developing visual and haptic abilities, visual memory and figure-ground discrimination, and auditory, olfactory, taste, and motor skills. (CL)

Resistance applied to activities of rocking, creeping, and walking as a means to increase visual attention of students who are easily distracted is described. The resistance activities are said to result in improvement of gross motor coordination, oculomotor control, memory processes, and untimately, greater efficiency in academic learning. (CL)

The paper addresses the need to define terms used in vision training before successful programs can be formulated. Critical behaviors in three categories (visual attending, visual examining, and visually guided motor) are considered as are program alternatives focusing on visual environment management, visual skills training, and visually…

This paper offers teachers basic information about sensory integration and suggests strategies for managing classrooms which include children with sensory integrative dysfunction. The first section looks at what sensory integration is, noting especially the roles of the three "near senses": the vestibular system, the proprioceptive system, and the…

Evaluation of students' dance performance provides feedback for developing skills and self-awareness. (JD)

The paper describes a Logo environment designed by an occupational therapist to help 10 disabled students (6-9 years old) explore relative distance, directionality, and spatial relations. The program's goals include enhancing students' language development, planning skills, decision making, risk taking, and problem solving. Logo is briefly…

Researchers have found that the elderly are as capable of learning motor skills as younger persons but perform better under some conditions than others. For example, the elderly learn and perform motor skills more efficiently when there is additional time to respond to stimulus. Tasks which are self-regulated rather than directed by an external…

This paper describes the value of movement education for all children and provides examples of various worksheets that can be used in the physical education setting to enhance various lesson themes and objectives for movement education. The use of worksheets can assist the physical educator in determining if concepts can be demonstrated in a…

The article describes ways in which children can develop perceptual motor coordination while engaging in activities and games wearing halloween masks with taped-over eyes. (CD)

Article investigated perceptual-motor areas, as they are related to music activities. (RK)

Teaching methods to develop the handwriting skills of children who have low vision are discussed. Difficulties are seen to result from problems with motor skills, visual factors, and mechanical difficulties. Stressed throughout is adaptation of the handwriting program to the particular needs of the individual child. (DB)