Why Learning Connections?
Our History
Established in 1976 to help children achieve, the Learning Connections Centre has been providing practical and effective help for thousands of children of all ages with learning difficulties, behaviour problems, attention disorders and developmental delays. Learning Connections is a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation.
Who Are We?
Learning Connections is a community resource centre that enables parents, carers and teachers to access educational
literature and multi-media that is relevant to those dealing with learning difficulties, attention disorders and behavioural problems.
We teach parents and teachers how to provide learning environments for their children which empowers then to make positive changes in their lives.
Maureen Hawke, the Director of Learning Connections Centre, is a Neuro Developmental Therapist, Registered Nurse, Clinical Nutritionist and Sound
Therapist and has been using a holistic approach to treat children with learning difficulties, attention disorders, behavioural problems and
developmental delay since 1976.. Maureen is the creator of Bright Start Program for parents, which promotes child development from birth to two
and half years - www.brightstart.com.au. She also trains teachers throughout Australia and internationally in the use and benefits of the Learning
Connections Programs in schools.
We Are the Experts in Childhood Development
Designed by experts, individualised activities help develop the cognitive, physical and social skills of children. Learning Connections programs are also recognised for their unique approach to child development based on the connection between primitive reflexes and movement which promote learning; build confidence and improve social, emotional and intellectual skills that are needed for success at school.
How are We Different?
Learning Connections' intervention for children with learning difficulties, behaviour problems and attention disorders is based on
a continuous process of evaluation and treatment.
Our programs are unique because they prioritise the order of and combine the benefits of
sensory motor and primary reflex inhibition with learning programs, auditory training and nutritional programs. They assist the brain to reorganise
what was previously disorganised which frees it up for higher order learning. Learning Connections also use a range of specific learning strategies
which when used with our holistic approach are much more effective than remedial programs or tutoring alone.
Many children who seek our help have previously been involved in excellent programs; however, they are still having difficulty as these programs have not
fully addressed the underlying causes. If the child’s problem is only speech, then speech therapy will be all that is needed; if it is just a reading problem,
then learning support will suffice; if it is a visual difficulty, eye training will remedy the problem. A compartmentalised approach does not address all aspects
of the child’s problems.
Prioritising interventions is paramount to effectively treating the problem. Like stacking blocks, Learning Connections needs to start
at the base of the problem. Unlike tutoring and remedial programs, Learning Connections does not give children more of what they cannot do. Learning Connections
treats the cause.
For the majority of these children there are deficits in the way they process both visual and auditory information as well as delays in primitive reflex integration.
With improved "brain wiring" as a result of the Learning Connections Program, the foundations for development are laid down. When this occurs, learning programs become more successful.
Learning Connections’ program activities stimulate various brain areas including the vestibular ocular cerebellum loop, which improves visual and auditory processing, and promotes integration
of the primitive reflexes. Learning Connections’ specialist learning programs (proven over 30 years) give children a significant learning breakthrough.
