There is no reason why "special" children should not receive Osteopathy.

Most children with SEN will have some problem with their neural pathways. Usually these become increasingly more efficient as a child overcomes developmental challenges. But if a child's brain is not as able to reinforce the most successful neural pathways, messages will travel along extended routes, increasing the time for processing. Or, information may not reach the required destination or may go to the wrong destination.

Children have more difficulty adapting their behaviour appropriately and thus may have difficulties with academic learning.

The brain has the capacity to re-route connections. The aim of any therapy is to improve balance, postural control, and core stability.

Classical Osteopathic techniques involve "passive patterning" i.e. taking children through motor patterns while they are relaxed, helping the pathways in the brain forge new and more effective connections. Posture, alignment and balance can all improve with time. This should theoretically help both physical and educational development but there is as yet no evidence to support this postulation.

Simon has worked with children with cerebral palsy, developmental delay, prematurity, Down's syndrome and other genetic conditions. No treatment claims are made.