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Conductive Education - FAQ

How is conductive education different from the therapy one receives in the health care system?

The basic difference lies in the approach.  A conductor sees a client as a student; not a patient.  A conductor is fundamentally a teacher; not a therapist. Yes, conductors are trained in a myriad of therapeutic methods; but their primary goal is help a person learn to function as much as possible.  The primary piece of “equipment” that a conductor uses is the raw skill and potential of the student; upon which they build and build in a learning circle with the parent and child and family together.

Will my child learn to walk?

In Budapest, hundreds have.  I have seen a boy take his first independent steps in the conductive classroom at Purpose, and the same boy still walks independently today.  His parents brought him in for just five days of conductive education.  Anything a child learns depends on their motivation, their condition, the support they receive, and the amount of practice.

Why isn’t conductive education covered by the education or health care systems?

It’s a “new” methodology that seeks a niche in the marketplace.  Conductive education is spreading like wildfire across the globe, but without serious supports and advocacy it cannot take a solid place.  It offers something to persons with motor disorders that is not available in the health care system, nor the school system. There have been some professionals who have visited our conductive classroom at the request of parents involved, but for the most part the professionals, and the system, don't seem eager to recognize a new teaching method that may deservedly require some space and money to really make a difference. Out of sight, out of mind, I suppose. Nonetheless, parents of kids with cerebral palsy know different, and some really appreciate the value of conductive education. My feeling is that it really works for some, and British Columbians who can benefit from conductive education should have equal and open access to it.

Does conductive education work for everyone?

Of course not. The only way to know is to check it out for yourself. The Petö Institute in Budapest chooses carefully which children they will work with, as they know the permanent and difficult nature of a motor disorder. Conductive Education is a lot of work and things don't happen quickly as far as learning and major changes. Sometimes, the progress from a whole load of conductive education might be a child who is somewhat more limber and relaxed. There may not be a lot of motor skill changes, but the child may have less muscular and spastic problems. Progress can only be measured by the happiness, confidence, and motivation of each child / person involved.

Our 2008 conductor, Zsuzsanna, had an opportunity to meet a bunch of disabled kids at an orphanage in Vietnam. She was there to volunteer with them, and as one person with a limited time frame what could she do but choose? With all the kids affected by cerebral palsy, she had to decide who she could help the most in her time there. This involves the conductor's expertise at knowing who needs to learn what and how to help them get there. So, back to the original question, does it work for everyone? I don't know. Have a look for yourself. With my son, one original private appointment was all it took. Two hours later, my little guy was tuckered out and fell asleep while the conductor told me in no uncertain terms, "Oh yes, he could learn a lot." I know that he and I are just scratching the surface, but I have seen him learn several things his therapists and teachers have never even thought to attempt. Kind of scares me, that; so many professionals yet none seem to think he's worth asking to go without all the equipment for the sake of seeing what he can do, or learn to do.

Who is it good for?

Any sort of motor disorders.