Brain Gym Exercises in Autism for the Enhancement of Cognitive and Motor Skills
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is defined by deficits in social communication, restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, and cognitions, and sensory processing styles. As autism itself is not completely understood yet, even its treatment should be tailor-made to suit the needs of the individual. Such an exercise method as that could help improve cognitive function and motor skills with physical activity is Brain Gym. Below we review how to adapt Brain Gym exercises for individuals with autism and outline their possible benefits.
What is Brain Gym?
Brain Gym is a program devised by Paul and Gail Dennison back in the 1970s. It consists of a series of movements and exercises aimed at improving brain function, enhancing learning, and promoting overall well-being. The premise of Brain Gym is that physical movement may stimulate brain activity and improve coordination to support cognitive development.
The various types of exercises included in Brain Gym are:
- Cross over exercises These are those that make the midline of the body. This allows integration across the two sides of the brain. Examples involve crossing over the midline to touch the opposite knee with each hand or making eye patterns in a figure-eight.
- Energy Exercises: Energy exercises allow for greater energy and a means to focus. Energy exercises may involve such things as deep breathing and stretching.
- Core Exercises: These are meant to strengthen the core muscles and give overall physical stability that may help promote better posture and balance.
- Integration Exercises: These work on integrating sensory and motor functions with a view to enhancing coordination and spatial awareness.
Benefits of Brain Gym for People with Autism
Some of the ways that Brain Gym exercises can help those with autism are varied, but need to be taken into consideration with sensitivity to the individual’s needs and preferences. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Improved Coordination and Motor Skills
In most autism cases, there is an impairment in both fine and gross motor skills. Brain Gym exercises aimed at challenging midline crossing, such as the “Cross-Crawl,” will be effective for coordination. This activity involves crossing the right hand towards the left knee and vice versa, thereby facilitating integration in the function of a motor and general physical coordination.
- Improved Cognitive Function
Cognitive problems can include a lack of attention and memory, and problem-solving by individuals with autism. Exercises like “Brain Buttons” Brain Gym, where individuals have to massage the area just below the collarbones, could activate the brain, leading to concentration and higher cognitive function. It was therefore postulated that stimulating specific points of the body may lead to enhanced activity and connectivity of the brain.
- Enhanced Sensory Integration
The general view is that people with autism have sensory issues. Brain Gym can help in the integration of senses through the use of different senses in exercises. For example, exercises that incorporate movement and tactile stimuli can make an individual more comfortable with sensory experiences and improve their ability to process information from their senses.
- Better Emotional Regulation
Individuals with autism often have difficulties in controlling their feelings and, sometimes, may suffer from extreme anxiety or stress. All these activities in Brain Gym, like deep breathing and stretching, can help them relax and decrease the level of stress. As soothing activities are incorporated into one’s daily schedule, the individual may find it easier to regulate their emotions and manage the stressful situations.
- Increased Attention and Focus
Inattention is one of the most frequent accompanying symptoms that people with autism exhibit. Brain Gym exercises, wherein rhythmic movements are executed or which need concentration-most common being the “Lazy 8” exercise, tracing a figure-eight pattern in the air-help increase this poor attention span and improve one’s ability to focus. These exercises promote lengthened visual tracking and coordination, applicable to enhance attention in areas outside of the exercises themselves.
Application of Brain Gym Exercises for People with Autism
Whenever Brain Gym exercises are introduced to autistic individuals, one has to keep in mind that there is great diversity in individual preferences, sensory sensitivities, and motor capabilities. Following are some suggestions on how one can successfully lead Brain Gym exercises:
- Each individual with autism is different, and their responses to the exercises in Brain Gym can also be very different. First, try to determine what their sensory and motor profiles are so that the activities can be adjusted to meet their needs. If an individual does not like being touched or touching others, or if they do not like certain movements, then those movements should be adapted to make them non-threatening.
- Provide simple exercises and progress the individual to more complex movements when that person becomes more comfortable. This means not being overwhelmed and finding exercises pleasing. Reinforcement and encouragement can create confidence and motivation.
- Provide Visual Supports
Individuals on the autism spectrum respond very well to visual supports. Utilize visual schedules, charts, or pictures to depict exercises and steps to complete them. This may allow for greater accessibility with activities, especially for those children and adults who benefit from visual learning.
- Embed Exercises within Daily Routines
To fully benefit from Brain Gym, integrate the exercises in as many daily routines as possible. Short, frequent sessions throughout the day may be more effective than longer, less-frequent sessions. Starting with a couple of Brain Gym exercises each morning sets the tone and helps to develop better focus for the rest of the day.
- Monitor and Adjust
Continually observe the reaction of the individual to exercises and modify accordingly. Note any apparent discomfort and/or frustration to ensure modifications are made to maintain enjoyable exercises that benefit the person.
Case Studies and Success Stories
There are many different case studies that show good success with Brain Gym exercises, along with several anecdotal reports about individuals with autism. For example, one article published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders indicated that children with autism showed motor and social interaction improvements when movement-based activities were incorporated, one of which was the use of Brain Gym exercises.
In another example, parents and educators have reported success with Brain Gym exercises in enhancing focus and reducing anxiety. According to one parent, her child’s improvement in coordination and emotional regulation was completely due to Brain Gym exercises incorporated into his daily routine.
Challenges and Considerations
Apart from the enormous benefits of Brain Gym exercises, there are also some challenges and considerations you should be aware of:
- Lack of Scientific Proof
Setting aside many anecdotal success stories, there is very little scientific evidence that points specifically to the effectiveness of Brain Gym exercises for individuals with autism. While studies do indicate benefits associated with motor skills and cognitive function, this is clearly an area that warrants further research in order to clearly establish outcomes.
- Individual Variability
Responsiveness to the Brain Gym exercises among autists can vary greatly, and what may work for one person may not work for another; the approach should therefore be made in as flexible a manner as possible, adapting to individual responses.
- Integration with Other Therapies
Brain Gym exercises should be considered as part of a multi-faceted approach to individuals with autism. They can augment, but not replace, other therapies or interventions that include occupational therapy, speech therapy, and behavioral interventions.
Conclusion:
Brain Gym exercises would, therefore, be a very promising intervention in attempts to enhance cognitive and motor functioning in individuals with autism. By allowing individuals to nurture coordination, cognitive function, sensory integration, emotional regulation, and attention, this could facilitate the demands put on diverse aspects of daily life. It is thus relevant to tailor exercises according to the needs and preferences of each individual, embed exercises into daily routines, and be cautious with regard to the current state of limited scientific evidence.
Like any intervention, the personalized approach to looking at individual needs and responses holds the key to best outcomes. Brain Gym exercises can play a useful role in supporting individuals with autism in their developmental goals and general well-being, if carefully implemented and adjusted.
