Sensitive (or critical) touch points in neurodiverse development.

Much has been written by others about touch points (Brazelton) or sensitive areas of development in neurotypical children. This for example, means learning a skill at a certain age. However, not much has been written about the critical periods of development in children with neurodiversity.

To me, this is all child led and needs to be child led. For example, when a child is heavily interested in a certain area, let him or her just explore to their heart’s delight, and they will learn so naturally, driven by their own curious interest. It could be anything: maps, tornado sirens, the design of the back end of a car. This goes for other “mainstream” topics as well; reading for example, is not necessarily an enjoyable activity for a lot of people on the spectrum — however, finding just the right book that will lead them to devour the full series is so amazing to watch. That is a touch point.

Another critical period can be learning the language of music as well as learning a musical instrument. This has to be at a certain age where they’ve also developed appropriate motor coordination and a trained ear to keep up with the rhythm. But if not, to at least hammer down to the beat of their own choosing. If they are into it, find the beat together on a long car ride!

Bottom line, let the child lead us. The child will lead us. Knowing this as a parent and practitioner helps lift the burden a bit and allows me to understand that it’s okay for children to be on their own timing.