Bottom up solutions may not eliminate the need for a top down solution, but they make those solutions work, like a billion times better. This is because the bottom up solution addresses the CAUSE whereas the top down solutions address the EFFECTS.
Lots of times if a problem is ingrained or there is a genetic tendency towards it, you can't completely eliminate the symptoms so you will need top down solutions. If you use those alone, your child may keep his head above water, but there will be something still pulling on his feet.
For water safety, we want a flotation device (top down solution) AND cut the ropes that are pulling you down (bottom up solution).
Example 1: Can't concentrate.
Top down solutions: coping strategies, self-talk, rewards and incentives, punishments, medication, eliminating environmental distractions.
Bottom up solutions: heavy work to re-regulate the sensory system and give the body what it needs, lots of protein, other high nutrient foods, elimination of heavily refined food trash at least until school work is done (for the week, if possible)
Example 2: Child is picky about food, clothing, and melts down easily.
Top down solutions: elimination of offending objects, talk therapy, punishments, bucking-up, rewards, desensitization
Bottom up solutions: Increase physical activity until, symptoms subside. Heavy work. Trunk work. Brain gym exercises. Plenty of opportunities for physical activity, like every 2 hours.
Example 3: OCD tendencies
Top down solutions: therapy, visualization, medication.
Bottom up solutions: SCD diet, repair nutrient deficiencies, increase activity, avoid refined foods.
Example 3 is me. I had horrible PPD after my babies. All the medicine and talk-therapy in the world just kept my head above water. Something was pulling on my feet. My diet was barely nutrient dense enough to keep me afloat, much less support a baby. Additionally, I have horrible digestion, was absorbing little of what I ate, and the gut bacteria blooms were wreaking havoc with my brain. All that and I was getting no movement in the day to re-regulate my sensory system. I was sensitive to noise, light, and any stress sent me reeling.
But, once I got my diet under control, I felt FANTASTIC. I came off about half my medication and started smiling again. However, I don't think my body will ever fully repair from the damage, so I will likely be on medication for life. I'm okay with that.
- Top down solutions alone can be an exercise in futility.
- Bottom up solutions alone can be an exercise in pride and denial. Not everything heals 100%.
So, don't abandon top down solutions, just use them in concert with bottom up solutions.
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