Deidra is a certified level II CME practitioner. She is excited to bring this unique and specialized skillset to The Little Physio and to the children and families she has the pleasure of working with. In essence, CME aims to foster as much independent movement as possible in a child by challenging their brain to create new motor patterns they did not previously have. The exercises take advantage of what is called “neuroplasticity” - our brain’s ability to adapt and build new neural connections when exposed to novel experiences. The therapist introduces the child to new movements and positions while providing the minimum support possible, thereby calling on the brain to respond and act against gravity and thus, create new motor patterns. This translates into progression of every day skills such as sitting, crawling, walking, and going up and down stairs. Our brains are so cool!!!

CME can be beneficial to any child who is experiencing a delay in motor control and skills, with or without a diagnosis. Common diagnoses that are accompanied by motor delay and may benefit from CME are cerebral palsy, hypotonia, hypertonia, ataxia, Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida, and more.