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HABIT-ILE is a short, intensive program, and all four children who took part had completed it previously. They chose to come back again to continue developing their motor skills, work towards new goals and build confidence in everyday activities.
HABIT-ILE (Hand-Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy Including Lower Extremities) is an evidence-based, intensive therapy program for children with cerebral palsy and similar conditions. This summer program was for children aged 6-15, while younger children, aged 2-5, attend a separate program tailored to them.
Over 10 intensive days, participants receive 65 hours of one-on-one therapy. Children practice real-life tasks that matter to them, like using both hands together, improving movement, balance and coordination, and building independence in daily activities.
Implementation Fellow and HABIT-ILE research expert Dr Sarah Reedman says, “HABIT-ILE is a unique program that allows us to achieve goals in two weeks that might take months of typical once-a-fortnight therapy.
“This is the power of intensity – a principle of neuroplasticity that means maximising the amount of repetitions of an activity in a short period of time. This can be really motivating for young clients as they can see progress happen right before their eyes, as well as being very convenient for some families.”
For many families, HABIT-ILE isn’t a one-off experience. Returning allows children to set new goals as their abilities change, while reinforcing the skills they have already developed.
Leon’s dad says, “We were so excited to sign up Leon to join HABIT-ILE so that he could get all his 1-on-1 time with a therapist to work on his goals to improve his inclusion, and also to be able to socialise with other kids with disability.”
“He has really progressed a long way in a short amount of time with each of his goals, and it’s just so exciting to hear every new thing that he achieves after each day of therapy.”
HABIT-ILE brings together therapists, volunteers and families for two focused weeks of goal-directed therapy. For returning participants, the program offers a chance to build on what they learned last time, refine their skills and set new, more ambitious goals as they grow.
Each child came into the program with clear, personalised goals:
The program concluded with a graduation ceremony and morning tea, celebrating the achievements of Tilly, Jemima, Travis and Leon alongside their families and friends.
Cerebral Palsy Alliance would like to sincerely thank the staff and volunteers whose passion, energy and dedication helped make the 10-day program both meaningful and fun. Their support plays a vital role in creating an environment where children feel motivated, challenged and celebrated.
Upcoming HABIT-ILE programs are now available.
