This is how the amazing brain works

Text: Sonia Pastrovicchio Photo: Sonia Pastrovicchio and Milad Fakurian on Unsplash

Before you can help your special needs child to speak, eat or walk, it is of importance to understand how your child's brain works. 

In this article I will explain how the understanding of neuroplasticity can help your child into a better future. 

Table of content: 

• How the brain play an important role in your special needs child's life
• Neuroplasticity explained in a simple way
• Why is neuroplasticity important?
• How to boost neuroplasticity

How the brain play an important role in your special needs child's life

Our brains are incredible! 

They help us think, learn, remember, and even control every movement we make. 

But did you know that your brain isn’t a fixed structure?

It can actually change and adapt throughout your life. 

This ability is called neuroplasticity, and it’s one of the brain’s most amazing features.

To give you an example:

A friend had brain surgery, and during this, a small part of his brain tissue was damaged (it can easily happen).

When he woke up, he could not speak for a week!

But this is what happened:

With exercise the brain started to create new paths that led him to recover and now he is fine. 

This is only one of many proofs how the brain can adapt with the right guidance and help. 

A new lens on healing and growth  

So, many years ago, I came across that neuroplasticity has to do with the brain’s powerful ability to rewire itself - it is at the heart of all learning, adaptation, and healing. 

It isn’t just a scientific concept; it’s the beating core of my work with children with special needs.

I became curious to find out how this invisible force truly unfolds in developmental therapy.

Neuroplasticity explained in a simple way 

Once, we thought the brain was hardwired after early childhood. 

But I discovered that it’s anything but static. 

Neuroplasticity means the brain adapts. 

It reorganizes its structure and function—in response to what we experience, at any age.

Imagine this: a child’s slight shift in gaze or breath signals the brain quietly making new neural connections. 

It’s living proof of neuroplasticity at work. 

I became curious to find out why some changes help, while others don’t. 

In children (I have seen this especially those with neurological differences) the same plasticity that fuels learning can sometimes lead to unhelpful habits. 

Such as asymmetry, compensatory movements, or chronic tension .

That’s why, in my practice, I focus on sensorimotor-rich, emotionally safe interventions, so neural adaptations move toward growth, not rigidity.

Why is neuroplasticity important?

Research shows that novelty and variability trigger more brain change than repetitive drills .

For me it turned out that by blending Feldenkrais-style micro-movements, somatic presence, and playful context, we tap into deeper plastic mechanisms.

That’s why I became curious to find out how a child’s step in a safe environment can scaffold the reorganization of sensorimotor networks—even without “correcting” anything.

Small, pressure-free movement invitations—like a gentle shift in head orientation—often coincide with signs of neural reorganization.

These shifts aren’t coincidences; they’re “signatures” of neuroplastic change.

Small shifts = BIG changes

For example, a single inhale or playful reach can signal the beginning of a new neural pathway.

The therapist’s job isn’t to fix—it’s to create conditions where the nervous system feels safe to explore and self-arrange. 

How to boost neuroplasticity 

Plasticity doesn’t stop in childhood. 

While early childhood is its most vibrant stage , the brain remains responsive throughout life. 

Especially when experiences are novel, emotionally meaningful, and embodied .

This means age or diagnosis doesn’t close the door.

Every meaningful interaction is a chance to support development and growth.

These are the possibilities for your special needs child 

Neuroplasticity reminds us: the nervous system is relational, responsive, and ever-changing.

Through decades of movement and therapy. 

Most powerful changes happen when we allow children to learn at their own pace, in their own rhythm.

This is what to do:

• Respect each child’s timing and individuality
• Create emotionally safe, sensory-rich environments
• Honor small shifts—they are the seeds of transformation

I offer a free call to help you develop your child's abilities and provide the tools to support you