The dynamics of optimism

Progress made with two types of movement difficulties in children has merge d into theoretical work from different yet interrelated and compatible pers pectives. One, from dynamic systems, has become a dominant explanatory posi tion for motor control and development, Underlying principles involve multi ple subsystems. self-organization, nonlinear changes, and the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic constraints. The position of ecological psychology complements this with layers of variables affecting children's development, ranging from family interactions, school practices, and educational polici es, through to societal positions and perspectives. The performance of hand functions in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy is described through a dynamic systems perspective with extrinsic task and environmental constra ints having a moderating effect on intrinsic neural substrates. This is com plemented through work with children showing developmental coordination dis order illustrating that through parents and teachers, children improve sign ificantly in their motor behavior. It is cautiously stated that these two i nterrelated approaches offer dynamic and optimistic options for working wit h children who show movement difficulties.