Conductive Education
What is Conductive Education?
Conductive Education is a systematic and holistic approach to develop problem-solving skills through an educational program for people with cerebral palsy and motor disorders. It is not a therapy, but a multidisciplinary system which enhances the child’s physical, cognitive and social skills, and emotional well-being. Conductive Education is not just an exercise, it is “learning to learn” by intense and repetitive practice and the application of various activities necessary for progress. It applies to motor skills, balance, sensory and perceptual functions, emotional development, language and cognitive functions.
This is an educational philosophy, which does not allow the individual to become inactive, pessimistic or uninvolved in a normal lifestyle or the solutions to problems of life and living. The program is based on possibilities and individual potential, maximizing personal development and the potential to advance.
Conductive Education aims to avoid learned helplessness that may come from doing too much for a child, rather than teaching the child to do things for itself.
Conductive Education uses minimum aids, and is alert to withdraw these as soon as possible, providing no more than “the least necessary help”. Each child’s program is tailored to its needs. For example, special walking aids may be used to start a child walking, to be replaced as soon as possible by new aids that give a little less support.
What age can a child start?
Working the program during the first six to eight years of a child’s life provides the most benefits, as this is the period of greatest brain development. However, Conductive Education helps at any age.
How is it provided?
Through a highly qualified Conductor, the program is delivered in groups, individual sessions and using swimming therapy. Parents are very involved throughout, and are able to use the techniques with their child in daily living.
Is Conductive Education available in the Canberra region?
Yes, we are very fortunate to have a Conductor, trained at the Peto Institute in Hungary, working with many ACT children.
How are parents involved?
Parents learn helpful techniques in their children’s sessions, and use these in everyday activities to assist their children to overcome problems of movement.
What does it cost?
Costs for individual sessions are $50 (one-hour session
Hydrotherapy group session on Wednesdays @12.30-1.30 is $5.00.
Friends of Brain Injured Children or a sponsor may be able to help with these costs.
Parents say…
“All things are made to feel important in Conductive Education. It’s about your whole being, not just about being taught to speak and walk”.
“Conductive Education is one of the main reasons my little girl can now walk”.
Parents are advised to make their own decisions about treatments for their child, in consultation with relevant professionals.
A brighter future
for your child
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