Conductive Education

Conductive Education – A Western CP Rehabilitative Method

Conductive Education is a combination of rehab treatments with education. The foundation for Conductive Education is the work of Professor András Pető, a doctor and educator in Hungary in the 1940s. Conductive Education’s series of tailored activities help CP children develop all aspects of daily life, including movement, speech and language, intelligence, social interactions, and emotions.

Conductive Education’s philosophy:

1. Respect CP children as unified whole beings and value all aspects of their lives.

2. Create a system in which the children are the center and daily life is the basis for learning, and make adequate and attainable demands to inspire their motivation for learning.

3. Work hard to solve all the barriers caused by CP to foster positive character and attitude.

Conductive Education’s characteristics:

1. Emphasize the whole being and personality– a person’s mind and body are one and inseparable. Use a holistic approach to understand the students’ problems and give them treatment accordingly.

2. Induce students’ motivation for learning, encourage their participation, and inspire them to develop their full potential.

3. Break down barriers to multi-professional collaboration and incorporate all personnel in training.

4. Form small groups to foster team work and competition to enhance learning capacity.

5. Emphasize consistent treatments with established schedules both at school and at home.

6. Stress the importance of control over the environment – including the placement of furniture and decoration, and the correct use of pronunciation and cadence.

Conductive Education is one of the most useful programs for people with cerebral palsy and emphasizes the following skills: basic physical functioning, fine motor skills, social interaction, academic skills, and self-care strategies.