"I ran a Summer Day Camp, three days per week over a two week period. Six children of various ages and abilities with the diagnosis of Autism were in attendance with their parents and together we achieved some amazing results.

We provided an environment that was safe and fun. The children in playful and spontaneous ways experienced some of the Brain Gym® movements in the context of "Balance with Movement"

There was plenty of opportunity in beautiful and natural settings for stimulation of their core muscles and their vestibular systems (which provides balance within the core of the body). The simple and easy to do movements were often done on Balance Boards or simply by rolling down nearby hills that had easy to manoeuvre slopes. As a result, the children seemed more fully present and their speech and language skills improved in remarkable ways.
Both parents and children achieved a greater sense of calmness, focus, relaxation and sense of peace. On the last day one father indicated that if he felt any more relaxed he would be unable to drive home. This father had not taken a holiday for a number of years.

I explained that learning blocks occur when the body is tense and information cannot flow freely among the brain centers and sensory systems. Brain Gym® movements stimulate this flow, freeing the innate ability to learn and function at top efficiency. When the body and mind work as one, the individual is able to perform with less stress and express themselves creatively using greater mental and physical potential."

Reported improvements in skills from the parents were:

• Improved coordination and confidence
• Improved speech and language
• Improved social skills
• Improved emotional balance
• Improved interest in their external environment
• Greater willingness to try new things without excessive anxiety
• Greater ability to focus
• More relaxed and attentive to tasks
• Parents more relaxed and encouraged
• Parents wanting to enroll in future Brain Gym® courses to learn how to facilitate Brain Gym® Balances for their children and themselves

Margaret Harris R.N., M.A.