Motor Development and Movement Activities for Preschoolers and Infants with Delays

Book excerpt: Thoroughly revised and updated, this second edition continues to present both a theoretical and practical approach to motor development and adapted physical activity programs for preschoolers and infants with delays or disabilities. Written from a broad perspective, the authors use easy-to-understand language so that families, caregivers, students, and teachers may provide instruction utilizing the ecological dynamics of various environments. Chapter topics include: motor development, organization of the nervous system, muscle tone, medical and biological considerations (including prematurity and low birth weight, drug exposure, and autism spectrum disorders), assessment, principles of intervention, and multi-sensory activities. This new edition identifies the effects of Autism Spectrum Disorders on sensory dysfunction and provides activity interventions to be used by movement specialists. Additionally, the book explains the principles of motor development and answers questions related to positioning, lifting, carrying, and feeding of young children. Practical suggestions and activities are provided for families and professionals to enhance sensory-motor development of the young child during structured motor intervention and throughout the day. Generously illustrated, this comprehensive book is an excellent resource for adapted physical educators, early interventionists, and caregivers in motor development for young children with delays or identified disabilities. It will additionally serve as a reference for individuals developing motor programs for older children, particularly children with severe sensory-motor delays.