How Bilateral Coordination Became Our Family Dance

As a neurodivergent mother of three wonderfully unique children - navigating autism, ADHD, anxiety, and OCD - I’ve come to cherish the little miracles that support our everyday life. One such miracle? Bilateral coordination. It may sound technical, but it’s really just our body’s way of dancing in sync. Over the years of therapy and through our daily adventures, I’ve seen first hand how learning to use both sides of the body together can open up a world of possibilities for kids.

What Exactly Is Bilateral Coordination?

In simple terms, bilateral coordination is more than just a fancy term, it is the ability to move both sides of your body in harmony. Think of it like a well-rehearsed dance routine: every arm, leg, and hand works together to make even the simplest tasks - like tying shoelaces, catching a ball, or even clapping along to a favourite song - a little bit easier. For my kids, mastering this “dance” has been foundational for their development, touching everything from fine motor skills to social interactions.

Our Journey with Movement and Coordination

When my eldest, who is autistic and has ADHD, first tried to join in a game of catch, it was a beautiful mess of missed throws and wild flailing. Instead of focusing on the chaos, I learned to see the potential in every clumsy attempt. Therapy taught us that every time he picked up the ball again, he was strengthening that crucial hand-eye coordination. Eventually, those moments transformed into joyful, rhythmic play that our whole family celebrates.

Adapting Through Play

One of the breakthroughs came during a family dance session. Music and movement have always been a source of comfort and expression in our home. We turned on our favourite tunes, and suddenly, bilateral coordination wasn’t about perfect steps - it was about feeling the beat and letting our bodies move in unison. Whether it’s my middle son, who finds sensory play both soothing and exciting, or my youngest who once hesitated to join in group activities, these moments remind us that every small movement contributes to a bigger picture of development and connection.

Everyday Miracles

It’s not just in the big moments. Bilateral coordination plays a quiet, essential role in daily routines. From the way my children hold a pencil during homework to how they navigate crowded hallways at school, every coordinated movement is a victory. I’ve learned to celebrate these subtle successes - recognising that improved spatial awareness and balance mean my kids are better equipped for everything life throws their way.

Why It Matters

Developing strong bilateral coordination can have a ripple effect on many aspects of a child’s life. It lays the groundwork for a wide range of skills, including:

• Hand-Eye Coordination: Whether it’s drawing, writing, or playing catch, coordinating what the eyes see with what the hands do is crucial for learning and daily activities.
• Visual Motor Tracking: The ability to smoothly follow a moving object with the eyes supports reading and sports.
• Social Skills: Believe it or not, the physical coordination required in group games and activities can also boost social interaction and cooperation.
• Throwing and Catching: These activities help develop timing, precision, and spatial awareness - skills that are not only important in sports but in many areas of life.
• Fine Motor Skills: Tasks like buttoning a shirt or using utensils rely on the delicate interplay between both sides of the body.
• Spatial Awareness: Knowing where your body is in space is key for movement and avoiding collisions, both on the playground and in everyday settings.
• Balance and Coordination: Whether it’s navigating uneven ground or participating in a dance class, balance is the foundation of physical confidence.
• Music and Movement: Playing instruments, dancing, or even clapping along to a beat all require bilateral coordination.
• Sensory Play: Engaging in activities that stimulate the senses - like playing with textured materials - can enhance overall sensory integration.

How You Can Support Bilateral Coordination

Drawing from our years of therapy and personal trial and error, here are a few practical ways to nurture bilateral coordination in your child:

Make Music and Movement a Habit:
Whether it’s dancing around the living room or playing simple instruments, encourage activities that get both sides of the body moving in harmony.

Turn Play into Practice:
Games like catch, tossing a beanbag, or even simple activities like drawing and cutting with scissors can transform into fun exercises for building coordination.

Create Sensory-Friendly Spaces:
Set up a corner in your home where your child can explore textures, play with sensory toys, and just move freely without the pressure of perfection.

Daily Movement Rituals:
Integrate bilateral movements into your everyday routines. Whether it’s encouraging your child to use both hands while brushing their teeth or even choosing which sock goes on first, these small moments add up to a coordinated dance over time.

Family Yoga or Stretch Sessions:
Turn a lazy afternoon into a bonding session with simple yoga poses or stretching exercises. It’s a fun, calming way to build balance and coordination while giving everyone a chance to relax and giggle at their own quirky poses.

DIY Obstacle Adventures:
Create a mini obstacle course at home or in the backyard. Crawling under tables, hopping over pillows, and weaving between chairs can transform playtime into a thrilling workout that naturally engages both sides of the body.

Mirror Movement Games:
Have a blast with mirror games where you mimic each other’s actions. This playful activity not only sparks laughter but also helps reinforce the connection between both sides of the body as you move in sync.

Kitchen Coordination Fun:
Invite your child to help with cooking or baking. Stirring, pouring, and kneading dough are not just tasty tasks - they’re a delightful way to practice bilateral coordination. Plus, you get to enjoy some delicious treats together!

Celebrate Every Step:
Recognise and applaud the small victories - whether it’s a well-timed catch or even the effort it took to join a dance session. Every bit counts.

Embracing Our Unique Rhythm

At the end of the day, bilateral coordination isn’t just about physical movement - it’s about empowerment. For my family, learning to move together has meant breaking down barriers, building confidence, and ultimately, embracing our neurodivergent strengths. Our journey isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about celebrating the beauty in our unique rhythm.

I hope our story inspires you to see the potential in every coordinated step and every spontaneous dance. Together, we can help our children not just move, but truly thrive.

Embrace the journey of development, celebrate every little victory, and remember that building these foundational skills today paves the way for a brighter, more coordinated tomorrow.