An overview of the links between autism, sensory systems, and primitive reflexes, along with key studies on the subject.
Hello everyone! Today, we're going to discuss a topic that is close to my heart: autism. Why talk about it today? Because I will be speaking at a conference and exhibition on autism in my hometown of Sarbourg, coinciding with Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd. As a professional, I regularly work with children who exhibit atypical behaviors such as ADHD, giftedness, and autism. My work involves collaborating with several specialists to best support these children and their families.
I often work with Eduardo, a neuropsychiatrist, and together we follow many children who are also cared for by other professionals, such as speech therapists, psychomotor therapists, and occupational therapists. It's important to note that these children may be supported in specialized institutes like IMEs.
We firmly believe that support must be multifactorial. Every child is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. For example, some children may need a referral to a vision specialist for ocular-motor issues.
Today, I want to talk to you about primitive reflexes and their connection to sensory disorders. Children with atypical behaviors often suffer from sensory deficits. For us at RNP Lab, primitive reflexes and sensory systems are closely linked. For instance, we will explore the vestibular system, which can be hypoactive or hyperactive depending on the child.
Studies, such as those by Professor Mililo, highlight the importance of these reflexes in children's development. His research is well-documented and provides a relevant literature review. I encourage you to consult them if you want to deepen your understanding of this topic.
I would also like to mention the work of Masgutova, who conducted studies on primitive reflexes. Although her research is not always recognized, she has done remarkable work in the field. For example, after the Chernobyl disaster, she sent teams to help traumatized children. Her research involved tracking 3,700 children, with 1,200 followed in detail.
She found that the more severe the autism, the more unintegrated primitive reflexes there were. This raises important questions about the sensory and motor development of autistic children.
Primitive reflexes primarily develop during the first year of a child's life. If these reflexes do not integrate properly, it can lead to long-term sensory issues. For example, the development of the right brain, which also occurs during this period, is crucial for sensory perception.
Therefore, it is essential to regulate and help children integrate their sensory systems from an early age. This can prevent cognitive or sensory issues later in life.
An innovative approach to helping children with atypical behaviors is the establishment of flexible classes. These classes allow children to move and interact with sensory objects, which helps them better manage their sensory issues. Teachers notice that these adjustments improve children's concentration.
To illustrate this, I can share a personal experience with my son, diagnosed with ADHD and giftedness. Although he struggles to stay focused in class, his movements help him concentrate better on his tasks.
In summary, there is a strong link between primitive reflexes and sensory disorders in atypical children. Understanding these interactions is crucial for providing better support and care. I recommend consulting the studies by Mililo and Masgutova to enrich your understanding of these topics. Thank you for listening, and see you soon!
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