by Ulrika Myhr | Feb 16, 2026 | Functional variation, Okategoriserad
The Convention on the Rights of the Child is law in Sweden, and the image shows its core pillars, such as the right to development and that the best interests of the child must be considered in all decisions concerning children. This open letter is addressed to Region Halland, which denied the assistive device Learn to Walk on the grounds that it is a training aid costing more than SEK 15,000. Despite this, the child was allowed to borrow the device and now walks independently.
Region Halland is not alone — several regions have the same policy, and all are violating the law. The absurdity lies in rejecting a “win-win situation.” When a child learns to walk, it creates fantastic opportunities for participation in play and activities, while also generating major economic savings for the region through reduced costs for assistive devices, personal assistance, and healthcare.
Much more could be said about this, but first a call to everyone who works with and for children with disabilities to stand up for children’s rights — heads of habilitation services, assistive technology managers, regional politicians — work together to highlight this: do it again, and do it right. You can read the open letter here
by Ulrika Myhr | Jun 26, 2025 | DCD, Okategoriserad, Research
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects approximately 6% of children. We know that it impacts the child in many areas – especially if they do not receive support and develop self-awareness. DCD affects participation in play and activities, daily functioning, learning, and self-esteem. But what happens when these children become adults? There is a lack of follow-up and knowledge in this area. The existing information is rather discouraging, as DCD appears to have influenced many aspects of life and the choices people make.
Christopher Gillberg and Elisabeth Fernell, both child neurologists, along with Ulrika Myhr from Learn to Move, have started a collaboration to follow up on approximately 300 children diagnosed with DCD and track them into adulthood. The project is in its early stages, and more people will be involved as it progresses. We hope this initiative will increase awareness of DCD and improve care and interventions to provide a more positive outlook.
Stay tuned for updates!
by Ulrika Myhr | Feb 14, 2025 | DCD, Education
On March 10-11, a course about Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) was held, bringing together participants from across the country. The course combined both theoretical and practical learning, focusing on how we can support children’s development, help them be understood, and foster a sense of physical self-esteem
There were many insightful questions and discussions about motor skills and seeing the whole child. It is well known that DCD is linked to mental health challenges, particularly reduced physical self-esteem. However, today we are also seeing a growing number of children who “develop” DCD and attention disorders early in life—they exhibit passivity from infancy through preschool years. Those with long experience in healthcare and education are witnessing these changes; the classroom looks different today!
This calls for a major shift—a structured approach to assessment, intervention, and long-term follow-up. Innovative solutions are needed, and physiotherapists, occupational therapists in school healthcare, and PE teachers as special educators can play a crucial role in addressing these emerging needs.
by Ulrika Myhr | Dec 12, 2024 | Learn to walk, Okategoriserad, Press
Assistive devices are an area where we need significantly more innovation and development—it’s time to combine technology and physiotherapy to support children with neurological challenges. The work on Learn to Walk has been incredibly rewarding, though at times frustrating—but the joy is immense when children learn to walk.
There is a great need for more innovation—new ideas, redefined problem-solving, and more engaging products. If you’d like to read more about the innovation process behind Learn to Walk, click on the link and scroll down to pages 24–25. https://fysioterapi.se/wp-content/uploads/Webbtidning_Fysioterapi_2406.pdf
by Ulrika Myhr | Jun 8, 2024 | Okategoriserad
Pediatrician Kristina Bähr runs the Brain Podcast, which aims to increase understanding of our brain and what it means to be human. In a recent episode, I had the privilege of being interviewed by Kristina and talking about the youngest children: infants and early preschool age. A lot of the brain’s capabilities are established during this period. Children have the capacity to ‘do and learn’ already as newborns, and the combination of time for recovery, closeness, and challenges is likely something that defines us as humans at all stages of life. Follow the link to listen to the Brain Podcast episode about children’s developmental needs https://hjarnpodden.se/151-barns-behov-och-utveckling-med-fysioterapeut-ulrika-myhr
