We live in a fast food world that is too loud, too much, too fast… Therapists tell us they’re seeing more children and families affected by the environment than ever before. Pediatricians tell us they’re seeing more and more children misdiagnosed with ADHD, when in reality their sensitive nervous systems are simply overwhelmed by constant stimulation and “anxiety” has become their new baseline. And although instant electronic access provides tremendous convenience and a pseudo connection to someplace else, we’re learning that everything comes at a cost.
After more than fifteen years of research and observation, we developed a patented self-regulation system that is helping people of all ages and abilities integrate and navigate their world. Inspired by and created for a child with Autism, MeMoves’ compelling combination of music, patterns, and imitative movements is now used in more than 2000 school districts and even more homes, hospitals, and therapy centers around the world.
MeMoves delivers an engaging, multi sensory activity that makes anything that follows easier and more effective. During three years of use as a transitional tool and priming activity, MeMoves has demonstrated significant benefits and shown itself to be a very efficient tool for self-regulation, activating the parasympathetic nervous system quickly and effectively (in large part through the vagus nerve.)
While MeMoves’ design sets up the nervous system for active, alert attention and calm chemistry (essentially state regulation resulting in emotional regulation and behavioral changes), therapists are seeing outcomes in other areas: Increased speech and language, eye contact, imitative behavior, processing ability and motor skills. Users become more socially integrated and organized as they advance their skills in a variety of areas.
We continue to see significant positive changes in social skills after extended use, and hypothesize that MeMoves embodies the tenets of Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory. By strengthening the connection between our hearts and brains through the vagus nerve (vagal tone is affected by the expressive features of emotion), we increase our capacity for connection, friendship and empathy. After years of trying to create a tool for the nervous system, it’s a wonderful thing to discover that at its core, MeMoves is really a tool for the heart.
Roberta Scherf and Chris Bye
Roberta and Chris are part of Session M: Innovative and Non-Traditional Treatment Options.
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