Interhemispheric Integration
Weak connections between the two sides of the brain can be implicated in many academic, social and behavioral challenges as it is necessary to pull from both sides of the brain to balance logic with emotions, details with the bigger picture and achieve optimal proficiency with language and learning at all levels.
Clues that may indicate weakness in interhemispheric integration include:
- delayed language acquisition
- problems comprehending directions
- difficulty finding the right word
- challenges with tying shoelaces
- trouble getting dressed (e.g. pulls on pants with two legs together, needs help getting arms into sleeves)
- difficulty learning to swim or pedal a bike
- weak organizational skills
- significant reading problems
- trouble understanding the concept of consequences or cause and effect
The logical, sequential left hemisphere of the brain is completely separated from the big picture, wholistic right hemisphere of the brain except for a band of nerves called the corpus callosum. Performing activities that require differentiated movement of the fingers or toes at the centre or midline point of the body can support the corpus callosum in helping the two hemispheres of the brain to communicate with one another.