Conductive Education
Conductive Education Therapy
Conductive education is a system of learning developed by the Hungarian physician Professor Andras Pëto in Budapest, Hungary after the Second World War.
“Ask me not what I can do for the children with cerebral palsy but ask me what they can learn to do for themselves” (Dr Andras Peto).
It was first introduced into U.K circa 1969, however has dramatically developed and progressed in the last 15 years in our country.
Conductive education was initially developed for the needs of children with cerebral palsy.
Conductive education in its fullest form is a unified system of rehabilitation for people with neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy, parkinson’s disease multiple sclerosis and those who have suffered strokes or head injuries.
Conductive education is a system in its own right. It is not a composite or amalgamation. It is a system of learning that has been developed with groups of individuals with motor disorders.
It is a system of learning that has been developed with groups of individuals with motor disorders and provides the following benefits:
- Improves mobility, which in turn allows the child/adult to live more independently
- Builds self-esteem because the child/adult experiences success on a daily basis
- Develops physical stamina and independence
- Teaches daily living skills, e.g. dressing, eating and personal hygiene
- Promotes strong development of muscles and bones thus eliminating the need for some surgery
- Improves social/verbalisation skills.
Principles of Conductive Education Therapy
- Is a Holistic approach to movement disabilities, incorporating an educational perspective.
- Development in children with movement conditions should be encouraged in an attempt to master their environment rather than adapt the environment to meet their needs. Similar to Occupational Therapy OT.
- The Conductor is the professional who delivers Conductive Education (CE), similar to NHS physiotherapist/occupational therapist.
- Conductive Education is an additional service and has to work closely with all health professionals and services the child accesses.
Conductive Education Sessions:
Conductive Education sessions are written and developed by Heel & Toe into smaller component ‘tasks’. These routines may include several series of tasks carried out in different positions. For example, lying, sitting and standing-walking positions.
We encourage parents and carers to apply the basic activities in their daily lives to develop their child further. The development programmes and sessions also provide opportunities to develop age-appropriate cognitive, social and emotional skills.
