What Is Pediatric DMI Therapy and How Does It Support Motor Development?

October 21, 2024

Pediatric Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) therapy is a specialized treatment aimed at improving the gross motor skills, movement control, and overall functional mobility of children with developmental delays. DMI therapy is designed to promote and enhance the natural ability of children to develop motor skills through structured, targeted interventions.

What is Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI)?

Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) is a cutting-edge therapeutic approach focusing on improving strength, coordination, balance, and motor planning in children with developmental delays. DMI therapy is based on neuroplasticity principles—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This means that with consistent and well-targeted interventions, children with motor impairments could make significant gains in motor function.

Without disruption or intervention, unhealthy habits (the types of learned patterns of movement a child relies on rather than reflexive movements) become engrained in the child’s behavior repertoire. Neuroplasticity is defined as the ability of the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections, especially in response to learning, experience, or following an injury. Neuroplasticity is at its height in young children. Without novelty and challenge, well-established habits always dominate. Due to this natural neuroplasticity, it is often better to start children young with any kind of therapeutic care.

The primary theory behind DMI is the use of the body's automatic postural responses. In DMI therapy, we place the child in a position where gravity provides information requiring a response. We then wait for the child to complete the movement, with gradually less assistance over time.

Who Needs DMI Therapy?

DMI is beneficial for children with and without a specific diagnosis. However, those with specific diagnoses include, but are not limited to:

Cerebral Palsy: Children with cerebral palsy often struggle with motor control, muscle tone, and balance, all of which can be targeted by DMI therapy.

Developmental Delays: Children experiencing delays in reaching motor milestones (such as crawling, walking, or standing) may benefit from DMI’s movement-based approach.

Genetic Disorders: Certain genetic conditions that affect motor development, such as Down syndrome or muscular dystrophy, may be candidates for DMI.

Spina Bifida: This congenital condition affecting the spinal cord can cause motor deficits, and DMI can be useful in strengthening movement capabilities.

Brain Injuries: Traumatic or acquired brain injuries in children that result in impaired motor functions can be addressed through DMI therapy.

Other symptoms of a child who could benefit from DMI include:

Difficulty with postural control (e.g., sitting, standing, or balancing)
Delayed or atypical motor development (not crawling or walking at the expected age)
Limited muscle tone or spasticity
Challenges in coordination and movement precision
Fatigue or weakness during movement activities

This is not an exhaustive list. There are many other conditions that may benefit from Dynamic Movement Intervention. DMI therapy is typically recommended for children who have developmental motor disorders or neuromuscular challenges that affect their ability to move, balance, or coordinate their body movements.

Identifying the Need for DMI

The need for DMI therapy is typically identified by healthcare professionals such as neurologists, rehabilitation specialists or physical therapists, often after a comprehensive evaluation of the child’s motor function. Parents may also notice signs that their child is not reaching developmental motor milestones and seek medical advice.

Any physical therapy diagnosis can result in the use of DMI, and this is often very useful for children under 1 to help with head control, children under 2 to help with standing, walking, and posture control, and children 5 and under with more involved diagnoses. Early identification and intervention are extremely beneficial in maximizing the effectiveness of DMI therapy and improving the child’s functional outcomes.

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April 30, 2020

Does Online Speech Teletherapy Work

Teletherapy, also called tele-practice or tele-speech, has become more popular during the uncertain circumstances and stay at home orders of COVID-19. Teletherapy can bring a sense of familiarity in uncertain times, as your child can have a weekly live speech therapy visit with a consistent speech language pathologist (SLP). A relationship is built, and the therapist and child share smiles and laughter in between working on their goals. With teletherapy, children can continue to receive continuity of care even as they stay safe at home! But does this foreign method of attending speech therapy really work?

Research is largely in agreement: Teletherapy is a very effective way of teaching kids speech and language!

With teletherapy, speech therapy is provided via a video chat platform that is secure. MetroEHS’s online platform includes fun games, a box for clients to watch applicable videos and talk through worksheets or read stories, screen share, practice cards, and, of course, a live-streaming video SLP guiding them through all of it. All of these features engage most children, including those on the Autism Spectrum. This 1:1 teletherapy has been proven effective: according to a review of 7 studies of school-aged children, “telehealth is a promising method for treating children” (1). Another study looking specifically at children with ASD stated, “All [14] studies reported high levels of programme acceptability and parent satisfaction with the telehealth component of the intervention” (2). And another states, “Emerging research in telepractice treatment for ASD clients already shows success in both direct and indirect interactions” (3).

If a child is too young or difficult to engage, the SLP may opt for a parent training approach. The parent will receive a list of supplies to gather from around the house, and the SLP will teach the parent how to target the child’s goals. The parent is encouraged to ask questions, and the SLP coaches as the parent engages their child and completes their goals. This has also been proven effective for children learning language! Evidence suggests, “that parent-mediated intervention training delivered remotely can improve parents’ knowledge in [autism spectrum disorder] ASD, parent intervention fidelity, and subsequently improve the social behavior and communication skills of their children with ASD (4).

Feeding Therapy can be provided with a similar model. The SLP guides the caregiver during the session, and talks through strategies and techniques for children accepting the food, chewing, and swallowing. Providing feeding therapy online can be beneficial because the SLP can see where the child typically sits, the types of eating utensils that are used, and overall family dynamic- all of which play a major role in carryover of skills to the home environment. What better way to support generalization to home, than having therapy in the home! Feeding Teletherapy, too, is an excellent and effective substitute to in-person therapy, according to research (5)!

As you can see, teletherapy is a powerful alternative to in-person therapy, especially during situations when receiving in-person therapy is difficult or impossible for families. If you would like more information about teletherapy, to enroll your child, or a free “Teletherapy Tour” to see our platform, please contact MetroEHS today!

Resources

2017. Wales, D., Skinner, L., et al. The Efficacy of Telehealth-Delivered Speech and Language Intervention for Primary School-Age Children: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Telerehabilitation, 9(1), 55-70.
2018. Sutherland, R., Trembath, D., et al. Telehealth and Autism: A Systematic Search and Review of the Literature. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 20(3), 324-336.
2015, April 28. Cornish, Nate. Social Mediating: Using Telepractice for Clients With Autism. ASHAwire.
2017. Parsons, D., Cordier, R., et al. Parent-Mediated Intervention Training Delivered Remotely for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Living Outside of Urban Areas: Systematic Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 19(8), e198.
2008. Clawson, Seldon, Lacks, Deaton, Hall, Bach. Complex pediatric feeding disorders: using teleconferencing technology to improve access to a treatment program. Pediatric Nursing, 34(3): 213-6.

May 7, 2025

Unlocking Your Child’s Potential: How Early Intervention and Neuroplasticity Shape Brain Development – WDIV Segment #2

Every child’s brain is equipped with a remarkable ability known as neuroplasticity—the capacity to adapt, reorganize, and form new neural connections in response to experiences and learning. This adaptability is especially potent during early childhood, making timely intervention crucial for children facing developmental challenges, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

In a recent discussion, Tia Moss and Kathleen Lewandowski, Regional Discipline Directors at MetroEHS Pediatric Therapy, emphasized the significance of early intervention and the role of neuroplasticity in shaping a child’s developmental trajectory.

Understanding Neuroplasticity in Early Childhood

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to change and adapt throughout life. In early childhood, this adaptability is at its peak, with the brain forming over a million new neural connections every second. These connections lay the foundation for essential skills such as language, social interaction, and problem-solving.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Research consistently shows that early diagnosis and intervention for autism can lead to significant improvements in communication, social skills, and overall development. Intervening during the brain’s most malleable stages allows therapists to harness neuroplasticity effectively, promoting positive behavioral and cognitive changes.

Creating an Environment That Fosters Brain Development

To optimize neuroplasticity, it’s essential to provide children with stimulating environments that encourage exploration and learning. Engaging in play, encouraging movement, and stimulating the senses can all contribute to healthy brain development . Such environments support the formation of new neural pathways, reinforcing learning and skill acquisition.

Supporting Families Through Early Intervention

MetroEHS Pediatric Therapy is dedicated to helping families navigate the journey of early intervention. Their team of professionals offers comprehensive services, including ABA therapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and more, tailored to meet each child’s unique needs.

For more information on how MetroEHS can support your child’s development, visit metroehs.com or call 248-970-8402

Metrotherapy In Detroit, Michigan

Our therapists and educators have a passion for extending their clinical abilities to those who are in need of Special Education, Child Education or Pediatric Therapy in Metropolitan Detroit.