Statistics show that in every Irish classroom there is at least one child with a learning difficulty which can adversely affect their progress in education and life. Because of this, and with their futures in mind, there has been an increased interest in treatments which could help.

Research at a renowned complementary therapy centre in Sweden, the Axelsons Gymnastic Institute Stockholm, has found that massage combined with co-ordination exercises can bring about great improvements in children who suffer from dyslexia, behavioural and emotional problems and poor concentration. Recently introduced in Ireland this Swedish-developed 12 week programme is called the Axelsons techniques.

Ireland’s leading practitioner is Katie Losty who works from the Sandycove Health Clinic in Co. Dublin. Trained at Axelsons Gymnastic Institute, Katie treats individuals with learning disabilities like dyslexia through massage therapy, acupressure and co-ordination exercises.

These coordinated movements (jumping, eye movements, finger tapping and pen movements) help increase the speed of the nerve impulses from the brain to the muscles, thus enabling the brain to function more effectively. In addition, the extra element of massage has been noted to increase serotonin levels, which can help decrease heightened dopamine levels in children with ADHD or other attention disorders.

Many of these movements have already been incorporated into other exercise programmes for children with learning difficulties, however, the unique aspect here is the addition of the massage therapy.

Katie Losty returned to Ireland after six years working and training in Sweden. “Initially, I started going for massages myself,” she says, “as massage therapy is so popular there, and then, because I enjoyed it so much, I began to do some courses. I became convinced of the healing and positive power of touch.”

Sophie, a nine year old, recently completed the therapy programme with Katie. Her mother Amanda says the changes in her daughter are amazing. “Sophie had ear infections constantly from the age of three months, and was always in and out of hospital as a baby. Her hearing was very badly affected and therefore so was her speech. She didn’t speak until she was five years old, so school was greatly affected. Sophie went to a special school for a couple of years before moving into mainstream education two years ago.”

Because of the problem with her ears, Sophie’s balance and co-ordination were affected. “She used to fall a lot when she was younger, and she skipped the crawling stage, which I now realise is common in many kids with learning difficulties,” says Amanda. “When Sophie started the therapy, she couldn’t do any of the exercises without falling over.” Three months later Sophie is now perfectly poised, balanced, and coordinated, and has even started doing gymnastics.

But there are other benefits too. “Her confidence has greatly increased,” says Amanda, “and she is much more content in herself. She is sleeping much better, and homework time is reduced because she has better comprehension of what to do and better concentration. Her spelling, reading and writing have all improved, also cutting down on homework time.”

Losty is encouraged by the results she’s seen with children like Sophie, and feedback from other parents whose children have completed the programme indicate similar benefits. Here in Ireland the Axelsons techniques are fast gaining recognition.

The findings of a recent study by the Department of Psychology in Trinity College were very positive, indicating significant improvements in reading ability and postural stability among the test group.

An initial consultation with Katie Losty establishes whether the child with signs of learning difficulty can benefit from the programme and from there the 12 week course may commence. The sessions are on a one-to-one basis and Katie believes the success of the programme is due to its holistic approach.

A significant issue of all this is the cost. The weekly hour-long sessions each cost €60 so while this may be affordable to some families, it may not be an option for many. Whether or not these treatments will ever be made available through the health services in Ireland remains to be seen.

For further information contact: Katie Losty, Sandycove Health Clinic, 57a Glasthule Road, Sandycove, Co. Dublin.
Tel: 087619 6340.
E-mail: katielosty@eircom.net

Pictured: Katie Losty with Jolie Fitzpatrick from Donnybrook.