You will see kids reach with their right arm to the left side – but they twist their body and turn their head. It’s almost as if the dividing imaginary line is a more like a plexiglass panel that blocks the arm from passing the middle of the body. They may have difficulty keeping the head still to move the eyes to either side. Or, it may look like they’re crossing midline, but they actually twist their trunk and/or turn their head. They may pass things from one hand to the other at the center of their body. You will see them use their right hand on the right side of the body… and their left hand on the left side of the body. They don’t automatically cross the middle of their body smoothly for motor tasks. Some kids have difficulty with midline crossing. How Can You Tell If a Child is Having Difficulty Crossing Their Midline? Additionally, they help both sides of the brain communicate for learning. It’s an important skill needed for completing daily motor tasks and academic tasks.Ĭrossing midline and bilateral coordination skills help with the efficiency of motor movements. This skill continues to develop as they grow. Midline crossing is also required when washing your body, putting on lotion, and getting dressed.įor kids, crossing the midline typically starts around age two. You cross your midline when you put on your seatbelt or turn the steering wheel for a sharp turn. The important part to note, is that the trunk stays still – the body does not twist – as the arm reaches across the middle. When a child crosses midline, their hand will reach across this imaginary line to the other side of the body. This line divides the body into left and right sides. Picture an imaginary line that goes from the top of the head through the nose, neck, chest, and belly button. Midline crossing, or crossing the midline, is when a person’s arm or leg crosses the middle of the body to the other side. He gave me one of those looks, shook his head, and started his homework. OT-Mom relief… he effectively crossed his midline without rotating his trunk! I carefully analyzed his body position and arm movements as he grabbed it. Of course, I placed it back down on his left side to have him reach for it again… with his right hand, per mom’s request. The OT in me thought, “Oh no, he’s not crossing midline! He should have reached across the middle of his body with his right hand to get his pencil!” He picked it up with his left hand and transferred it to his right hand at the middle of his body. His response, “Because it was sitting there!” (on the left side) I remember the confusion on my son’s face when I asked why he picked up his pencil with his left hand. They’re great for all developing brains, bodies and eyes! These occupational therapy midline crossing activities are quick and easy to use.
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