The cerebellum is located just above the brain stem and toward the back of the brain. Between the brain stem and the cortex, the diencephalon is located. The most active growth period for the diencephalon and the cerebellum is from six months to two years (Perry, 2006).
The cerebellum is responsible for balance and coordination and is involved in voluntary motor movement, muscle tone and equilibrium. The diencephalon is vital in relaying and processing sensory and motor information and has a role in managing emotions.
At this stage of brain development, promoting a feeling of safety and connection and providing a range of experiences that use all the senses is crucial (Perry, 2006). Physical activity is also important for the development of this part of the brain (Perry, 2006). You will note that this stage of development (6 months -2 years) corresponds to baby starting to crawl - and then walk, run and climb - and generally become an escape artist. If a child is left in its cot for too long, it has little stimulation, which would then affect the development of this part of the brain. Baby also needs not to spend too much time restrained in a walker etc. as full movement is essential for muscle growth, balance and brain development.
The development of all our senses is important at this time. Our senses are much more than the five senses we generally consider: hearing, sight, smell, touch and taste. Some other senses are proprioception, interoception and the vestibular system.
Proprioception allows us to know where we are in space. A child with trouble processing proprioceptive stimuli may have poor body awareness and motor planning, poor postural control, and have sensory-seeking behaviours. Some examples of what this may look like include: pressing so hard on their pencil that the lead breaks, having difficulties walking up and down stairs, slumping and often moving in their chair, difficulty balancing on one foot, and chewing their clothes or other non-food items.
Interoception is the sense that lets you feel and understand what is going on inside your body – that you are hungry, that your heart is beating fast, or that your muscles are tense. This sense is involved in self-regulation. People with anger management issues, who report going from ‘0 to 100’ without noticing, often have trouble feeling what is happening in
their bodies.
The vestibular system allows us to coordinate balance and movement. Children with processing challenges related to the vestibular system may be sensitive to, seek out, or be slower to respond to vestibular input. Those sensitive to vestibular input may avoid using swings and climbing on the playgroundequipment; those seeking vestibular input may be unable to sit still or persist in rocking their chair, a common issue inclassrooms. A child with difficulty processing vestibular input may quickly lose balance and appear clumsy.
If a child has problems processing these senses, an occupational therapist is the best person to assist.
It is interesting to know the types of activities that are important for developing and regulating the diencephalon and cerebellum. As you can see, they are the things we often do with children of this age. Of course, if you are concerned about your child's development it is important to seek professional help early.
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