Behavior & Cognition

Both a child’s behavior and cognitive processes play a significant role in how he or she presents and responds to feedback. Behavior describes how a child acts while cognition is related to thought processes and awareness. Both behavior and cognition vary widely among children, and their presentation may or may not be abnormal. Rather, it is something to be aware of during treatment for all individuals.

In combination to physical impairments, the way a child thinks and acts (whether consciously or subconsciously) has great effect on what they are struggling with. Your child may have a behavioral disorder in addition to another diagnosis, and cognition changes with development and experience. There are also predicted stages of personality development that may affect behavior. Whatever way issues with behavior and cognition present in your child, they may affect outcomes if not addressed.

Issues with the development and presentation of behavior and cognition arise in multiple forms. A young toddler may demonstrate significant separation anxiety or delayed language while an older child may appear excessively withdrawn or have outbursts in behavior. Differences in personality can account for many presentations of behavior, but anything that appears abnormal or excessive may affect a child’s ability to learn and develop skills. It is important to recognize any challenges in order to respond to them appropriately and cater interventions to include specific language that may assist a child in learning.

While a behavioral or speech therapist is more suited to treating children with strictly cognitive and behavioral problems, physical therapists can use the knowledge they have about behavior and cognition to guide treatment beyond simply stretching and strengthening. At baseline, children respond depending on how they feel and what they think of a situation. Physical therapists are educated about the different issues that affect behavior and cognition, and also of the presentation expected with typical development. They can incorporate specific interactions into interventions in order to best serve your child. While a behavioral or cognitive change may not be the primary goal of physical therapy, our therapists treat all systems of the body which includes emotional and mental expectations and reactions to interventions.