The Benefits of Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration Therapy on Children with Autism
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. Symptoms typically appear during early childhood and can range from mild to severe in impact on functional performance. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating autism or any known cure, but many children can benefit from therapies that focus on improving communication and social skills. One such therapy is Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI®).
MNRI therapy is based on the theory that if certain reflexes are not properly matured, and thus are not integrated in children, then dysfunction will be present in the development of the extrapyramidal nervous system and subcortical areas of the brain. This leads to delays in early motor-cognitive developmental milestones and can lead to sensory processing difficulties, sensory-motor integrity, and other problems. Abnormalities in reflex maturation can cause further deviations in neurodevelopment of higher brain function. There are clear links between the level of severity of autism and lower development of reflex patterns and impact on daily function and learning. (As published research in the MNRI shows: https://www.avensonline.org/wp-content/uploads/JNP-2332-3469-04-0028.pdf).
MNRI therapy is a brain-based therapeutic system that centers on sensory-motor reflex integration while concurrently addressing the underlying issues of impaired communication and cognition in autistic children. The development of reflexive patterns and ability to automatically adapt and vary the patterns provides children with the ability to be free to learn, interact, and grow easily. Immature reflex pattern means that the brain must utilize resources for things that should be automatic; maintaining posture, coordinating movement, and modulation of sensory input are just a few examples. Without reflex neurophysiological maturation, the nervous system has increasingly more difficulty with managing stressors and regulating the high cognitive functions. The demands become intense as a child gets older.
MNRI therapy uses a series of active/passive reflex integration exercises and proprioceptive touch to help the child’s reflex receptive fields and the nervous system better integrate these sensory and motor aspects of reflexes and improve functioning of the nervous system. The goal is to improve the child’s overall functioning and quality of life, reducing symptoms associated with autism. Reflex assessments of children with ASD found that 83% of reflexive patterns were dysfunctional compared to neurotypical peers, prior to MNRI therapies (see the research result in the above publication). Post treatment, 63% of the reflex patterns showed improvement. Sensory- motor integration, behavioral and emotional regulation, self-awareness, sociability and interactions, stress resilience, physical health, learning, and motivation also were seen as benefits to treatment. For example, MNRI therapy has been shown to reduce disruptive behaviors by as much as 96% and improve verbal communication as much as 8%.
Although more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of MNRI for children with autism, preliminary studies suggest that it may be an effective intervention for individuals with ASD. If you are considering MNRI for your child with autism, be sure to consult with a qualified therapist. It is also suggested to schedule an MNRI Reflex Assessment with Dr. Masgutova for optimal understanding of the child’s reflex pattern profile and function. A customized home program is created to help optimize the child’s MNRI treatment at home. Visit MasgutovaMethod.com for more information.
—–Kristy Stamper, MNRI Core Specialist
Editor, Kathy Carr
Citation: Masgutova S, Akhmatova N, Sadowska L, Shackleford P, Akhmatov E. Progress with Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Neurol Psychol. 2016; 4(2): 14. https://www.avensonline.org/wp-content/uploads/JNP-2332-3469-04-0028.pdf