Kids Moving Company's founder and director, Joye Newman, M.A. offers private perceptual motor therapy services at the Kids Moving Company studio.  Please contact Joye directly to discuss therapy services.   

What is Perceptual Motor Therapy (PMT)?

Current educational and psychological research point to a close relationship between a child's perception and (ability to process what he takes in through his senses) and his motor (movement) skills. Every-day activities and training may not be sufficient to help the child develop "normal" skills and goals expected in "normal" child development. A Perceptual Motor Therapist is trained to observe and analyze developmental problems and to provide suitable therapy in cooperation with parents, teachers and pediatricians. Using the child's strengths, and active and challenging program is developed in order to address the child's weaknesses while giving him a feeling of success. Often, this feeling of "I can do it" is the key to perceptual motor growth and development.

Is perceptual motor therapy appropriate for my child?

PMT addresses a wide variety of needs. Perhaps your child seems clumsy, awkward or his or her age, has trouble with handwriting, mixes or reverses letters and words, is slow with hand-eye coordination, avoids physical activity in games and sports--or, in general, seems uncomfortable with his or her own body. All of these issues may be addressed by Perceptual Motor Therapy. Often, the child's problems lead to a lowered self-image, in school and out, where "normal" performance is expected. This lowered self-image is frequently a significant deterrent to success in school, both socially and academically.

How is perceptual motor therapy applied?

In a caring, supportive atmosphere, the child is challenged to develop his or her own fine motor, gross motor and perceptual skills through the use of such equipment and skills as balance boards and beams, table games, rope ladders, obstacle courses, scooter boards and a full size trampoline. Each child is first evaluated in an hour-long session. Results of this evaluation, along with extensive background information on the child, determine the nature and extent of therapy. Sessions are usually 50 minutes, once or twice weekly. There is ongoing consultation with parents, teachers, and, if desired, your child's pediatrician.

 

Joye Newman, M.A.

7475 Wisconsin Avenue

Bethesda, MD 20814

301-656-1543     kmc@kidsmovingco.com