More Information


HANDLE®

Jump to section:

 

An Introduction

Just as no two fingerprints are alike, no two people have the same arrangement of pathways that carry messages to, within, and from their brain. Each of us acquires slightly different neurodevelopmental patterns. Many children and adults who experience difficulties in learning, task performance, or social interaction have neurodevelopmental differences that interfere with processing. For example, when systems that support vision or the sense of body in space are weak, then reading, math, general efficiency, and even social skills may suffer. Trauma may further complicate matters.

The HANDLE Approach, developed by Judith Bluestone during more than 40 years of work with neurobehavioural differences, is developmental in nature. HANDLE recognizes problems at their roots, and implements an individual theraputic program of activities.

HANDLE helps the family understand the source of a problem, and helps assist each client to be more functional in life.

HANDLE Screeners and Practitioners take into account social-emotional factors not just physical developmental stages in order to provide activities that strengthen the nervous system while respecting the psyche.

The Holistic Approach to NeuroDevelopment and Learning Efficiency (HANDLE) is supportive of both life-long and acquired challenges. Thousands of people worldwide, of every age, with diverse special needs and backgrounds have achieved significant results with HANDLE.

HANDLE recognizes that movement supported by proper nutrition:
Organizes mental processing
Influences biochemistry
Helps mold the structure of the brain

"All learning takes place in the brain; it is the body that acts as a receptor for information and then becomes the vehicle through which knowledge is expressed. In this respect, movement lies at the heart of learning. Learning, language and behaviour are all linked in some way to the function of the motor system and control of movement."
Sally Goddard, author of REFLEXES, LEARNING AND BEHAVIOR: A Window Into the Child's Mind  
 

Helping Extraordinary People Do Ordinary Things

Individuals diagnosed with: Autism Spectrum Disorders; ADD/ADHD; Learning Disabilities; Dyslexia; Tourette's Syndrome; Brain Injury; Stroke; Cerebral Palsy; Bipolar Disorder; Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; CHARGE; & other Rare Syndromes

Families concerned about: Perplexing Behaviours; Language Delays; Organizational Issues; Memory Problems; Disorders Deemed Psychological in Nature; Sleep Disorders; Maximizing Learning Potential; Work Efficiency; Social Interactions

 

HANDLE® Distinguishing Features

Views the person as a whole

Looks beyond labels for root causes of perplexing behaviours

Strengthens systems without stress through Gentle Enhancement®

Considers the person in relationship to his or her environment

Assists the brain to create efficient pathways through a systems approach

Works globally, effects specifically

Draws on neuroscientific principles while incorporating many disciplines

Engages in non-judgemental observational evaluation

Employs non-invasive and non-drug assessment and treatment procedures

Provides guidance for implementation of activities at home or other settings

Requires less than 30 minutes a day to implement, anywhere and anytime

Applies to all ages and most disorders (including chromosomal)

 

The HANDLE® Perspective

There is a hierarchical, developmental, interactive and interdependent organization of our sensory-motor systems.

When any system is irregular, unable to serve the whole/dynamic, all systems are affected. We may use one system compensate or support another.

Processing functions interact with sensory-motor systems to organize input and integrate response patterns.

Irregular hierarchical and developmental functions therefore alter the experiences of living and learning.

Personal motivation and priorities shape where one invests energy. For the brain, survival and security is top priority.

 

Judith Bluestone - the Founder of HANDLE®

Developer of the HANDLE approach and founder of The HANDLE Institute
Clinical and Educational Director of The HANDLE Institute International, LLC

Based on over 40 years of professional work in education and neurorehabilitation, servicing schools, hospitals and numerous other organizations, as well as families around the world.

Has over 15 years of advanced study including: education, counseling, human development, neuropsychology, visual processing, sensory-motor integration, nutrition, reflexology and more.

Judith is the recipient of numerous awards including:

1989 National (Israel) Annual Early Childhood Education Award for the program of screening and early intervention that she designed and supervised its implementation in Givat Olga. The program reduced the need for special education in that problematic population from nearly fifty percent to approximately four percent.

2002 Case Western Reserve University Distinguished Alumni Award for her outstanding contribution (through HANDLE) to the fields of education and neurorehabilitation and to those served through those fields.

2004 Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award in additional to a National (USA) Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service for creating and sharing HANDLE to enhance the quality of life of individuals and families in her community, country, and the world.