Stimulating the Autistic Brain

Using Motor Patterning and Childhood Reflexes

Suzanne Amanor-Wilks article explains, “how cognition and movement are really the same” and how therapies for autism, leading to higher levels of behavior and learning are centered on movement, reflexes, posture and muscle control. Suzanne briefly explains the role of primitive reflexes, motor patterns, sensory-motor integration, and brain stimulation.

Dr. Svetlana Masgutova, who is developing a body of research showing how brain structure can change after a few hours of reflex integration therapy, is offering an extensive Family Education Conference for Children and Adults with Challenges and Gifts. The program is open to children with Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Down’s Syndrome, Developmental Delay, Speech and Language development delay, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Emotional Instability, and other symptoms, such as chemical imbalances, metabolic disorders and allergies.

Reflex Integration Needed for Learning

Early motor development of a healthy child and child with Cerebral Palsy

Svetlana Masgutova's extensive article does a masterful job describing how a healthy sensory-motor system develops and what goes wrong with children with Cerebral Palsy. According to Dr. Masgutova, “Maturation of the nervous system involves the inter-connection of reflex circuits. The role of these latter phases is to expand the development of a reflex in order to create the groundwork for reflex integration with motor skills and abilities. This supports the development of academic skills such as elementary reading, drawing, writing, and calculating. Delayed reflex development, or the omission of any phase, adversely affects the formation of future skills.”

Reflex Development Comes First

Build a strong neurological foundation supporting successful learning

Thad Trahan shares what New Zealand Educators are doing with Brain Based/Movement Based learning. He sent a video clip of a new DVD showing the importance of reflex development first so that learning can take place easier.

Thad visited schools in New Zealand in Oct 2006 and again in May 2007. He said, "It was very much like what is showcased on the DVD. There is a real passion for learning at all levels in their schools."

Thad teaches Double Doodle Play. It is part of the Educational Kinesiology program using the Double Doodle and other movements from Brain Gym® and Vision Gym® to explore and enhance visual perception and artistic expression. Participants gain finer understanding of the relationship among visual skills, hand-eye coordination, and creative expression. The course teaches the use of both hands in drawing and painting.

He also teaches Touch for Health, Bal-A-Vis-X (Balance, Auditory, Vision, eXercises) and is a consultant for Rhythmic Movement Training. Thank you Thad for your contributions!

Reflex Integration is Key to Movement

Masgutova Method of Neuro-sensory-motor Reflex Integration

Svetlana Masgutova from Poland has simplified how to understand movement and its relationship to learning. For many of us, Reflex Integration is a foreign concept. Glance at the graphic shown on the Masgutova Method page. See how reflex patterns are the foundation upon which learned movement is built. Academic performance skills (writing, reading, calculating, sitting still and focusing) rely on a solid body brain base to work well.

Contact Suzanne Amanor-Wilks at neuronetsuzanne@yahoo.com or call 952.892.1883 to inquire about Dr. Masgutova’s workshops, March 20 to 23rd in Edina, Minnesota. Books are also available. You will be surprised how simple reflexes are to learn – and how highly effective sensory integration practices are to integrate dysfunctional and pathological reflexes that interfere with vibrant living and learning. You will love Dr. Masgutova's teaching style -- she's tops!

Jeff Haebig