# Autism ## Autism ## Rhythmic Movements and Reflex Integration for Helping Autism Parents, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other professionals consistently report that integrating primitive reflexes and applying rhythmic movements helps with the sensory processing issues, physical pain, sleep challenges, emotional dysregulation, and anxiety that commonly accompany [autism](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?Itemid=635 "Learn how neurodevelopmental movement can help individuals with autism") (ASD). See inspiring case studies with children and adults with autism. *All case studies are written by students of the [Brain and Sensory Foundations First Level course](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?Itemid=362 "Training in rhythmic movements and primitive reflex integration").* [ ![Young man using cable machine at gym. Text: Greater vestibular stability while working out](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_LiGa_ANON25.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/autistic-man-has-better-balance-after-reflex-integration) ### [ Autistic Man Has Better Balance After Reflex Integration ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/autistic-man-has-better-balance-after-reflex-integration) [ ![Young boy using scissors. Text: "Reflex integration helped my student gain skills at a faster rate"](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_LiGa_ANON.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/reflex-integration-supports-fine-motor-skills-acquisition) ### [ Reflex Integration Supports Fine Motor Skills Acquisition ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/reflex-integration-supports-fine-motor-skills-acquisition) [ ![Mom explaining a wooden toy to child. Text: 19-month-old boy shows global gains](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_JeDu_J.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/neurodevelopmental-movements-improve-autistic-toddlers-behavior-sleep-and-regulation) ### [ Neurodevelopmental Movements Improve Autistic Toddler’s Behavior, Sleep, and Regulation ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/neurodevelopmental-movements-improve-autistic-toddlers-behavior-sleep-and-regulation) [ ![Laughing boy sitting on a bench. Text: 9-year-old's body unlocks: no longer stuck in upright fetal position.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_CD_PD.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/autistic-boy-can-sit-comfortably-after-reflex-integration) ### [ Autistic Boy Can Sit Comfortably after Reflex Integration ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/autistic-boy-can-sit-comfortably-after-reflex-integration) [ ![Boy focused on homework. Text: No more handwriting fatigue.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_NiLe_B.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/7-year-old-integrates-reflexes-and-becomes-proud-of-handwriting) ### [ 7-Year-Old Integrates Reflexes and Becomes Proud of Handwriting ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/7-year-old-integrates-reflexes-and-becomes-proud-of-handwriting) [ ![Smiling boy writing at desk. Text: OT uses neurodevelopmental movements to help client with ASD](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_NiLe_H.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/better-writing-focus-and-regulation-after-reflex-integration) ### [ Better Writing, Focus, and Regulation after Reflex Integration ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/better-writing-focus-and-regulation-after-reflex-integration) [ ![Two boys chatting while walking down a school hallway. Text: 10-year-old overcomes extreme social anxiety, stuns OT](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_SP_EE.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/autistic-boy-unfreezes-with-reflex-integration-now-converses) ### [ Autistic Boy Unfreezes with Reflex Integration, Now Converses ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/autistic-boy-unfreezes-with-reflex-integration-now-converses) [ ![Toddler boy eating a peach. Text: Neurodevelopmental movements help with ARFID.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_AmFi_ANON.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/toddler-with-arfid-now-trying-new-foods-every-week) ### [ Toddler with ARFID Now Trying New Foods Every Week ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/toddler-with-arfid-now-trying-new-foods-every-week) [ ![Young boy on a bike ride with his family. Text: Better transitions and motor skills, less soiling](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_MeEl_E.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/reflex-integration-improves-handwriting-sleep-and-toileting) ### [ Reflex Integration Improves Handwriting, Sleep, and Toileting ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/reflex-integration-improves-handwriting-sleep-and-toileting) [ ![Little boy with Down's Syndrom laughing. Text: Calmer and more engaged in life.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_MaWe_M2.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/boy-with-down-syndrome-benefits-from-neurodevelopmental-movements) ### [ Boy with Down Syndrome Benefits from Neurodevelopmental Movements ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/boy-with-down-syndrome-benefits-from-neurodevelopmental-movements) [ ![Teen girl communication via an assistive device. Text: Less hair pulling, more communication and ADL independence.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_ChRe_G.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/autistic-teen-calmer-and-happier-after-reflex-integration) ### [ Autistic Teen Calmer and Happier after Reflex Integration ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/autistic-teen-calmer-and-happier-after-reflex-integration) [ ![Boy with a backpack smiling. Text: School becomes easier and more enjoyable after neurodevelopmental movements](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_JeSb_LY%201%201.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/reflex-integration-helps-with-learning-motor-planning-and-more) ### [ Reflex Integration Helps with Learning, Motor Planning, and More ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/reflex-integration-helps-with-learning-motor-planning-and-more) [ ![Mom and young son high-fiving. Text: Better sleep, eye contact, regulation, and communication](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_LaNePe_ANON.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/5-year-old-with-autism-and-adhd-shows-global-improvements) ### [ 5-Year-Old with Autism and ADHD Shows Global Improvements ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/5-year-old-with-autism-and-adhd-shows-global-improvements) [ ![Preschool boy working on an art project with classmates. Text: No more echolalia or W-sitting](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_AlMi_J.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/echolalia-disappears-social-and-motor-skills-improve) ### [ Echolalia Disappears, Social and Motor Skills Improve ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/echolalia-disappears-social-and-motor-skills-improve) [ ![Young boy climbing a tree. Text: Discharged from OT after three months of rhythmic movements and primitive reflex integration!](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_JeJo_A1.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/no-more-meltdowns-over-clothes) ### [ No More Meltdowns Over Clothes ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/no-more-meltdowns-over-clothes) [ ![Little boy hugging dad. Text: Autism—7-year-old, "Daddy, I want a hug"](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_HeBo_B.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/autism-huge-improvements-in-speech-sensory-eye-contact-and-attention) ### [ Autism—Huge Improvements in Speech, Sensory, Eye Contact, and Attention ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/autism-huge-improvements-in-speech-sensory-eye-contact-and-attention) [ ![Little boy looking at parent. Text:2-year-old with ASD now on-track with fine-motor and speech.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_MaBe_C2.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/2-yr-old-with-asd-develops-eye-contact-fine-motor-babbling) ### [ 2-Year-Old with ASD Develops Eye Contact, Fine-Motor Skills, and Babbling ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/2-yr-old-with-asd-develops-eye-contact-fine-motor-babbling) [ ![Three preteen boys chatting at school. Text: "Now I don't get annoyed by loud things...I'm a normal kid!" Links to case study titled, 11-Year-Old Boy with Sensory and Emotional Challenges is Transformed by Neurodevelopmental and Integrative Movements](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_SuLe_L.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/11-year-old-boy-with-sensory-and-emotional-challenges-is-transformed-by-neurodevelopmental-and-integrative-movements) ### [ 11-Year-Old Boy with Sensory and Emotional Challenges is Transformed by Neurodevelopmental and Integrative Movements ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/11-year-old-boy-with-sensory-and-emotional-challenges-is-transformed-by-neurodevelopmental-and-integrative-movements) [ ![Two girls in scouting uniforms chatting in a text. Text: From violent meltdowns to calm, happy, and communicative.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_AMSe_S.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/young-girl-with-selective-mutism-is-transformed-by-rhythmic-movements-and-primitive-reflex-integration) ### [ Young Girl with Selective Mutism Is Transformed by Rhythmic Movements and Primitive Reflex Integration ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/young-girl-with-selective-mutism-is-transformed-by-rhythmic-movements-and-primitive-reflex-integration) [ ![Boy smiling into camera. Text: 8 year old learns to self-advocate and ask for movements.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_DaHi_ANON.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/boy-with-autism-and-adhd-gains-better-focus-and-body-awareness-in-6-weeks) ### [ Boy with Autism and ADHD Gains Better Focus and Body Awareness in 6 Weeks ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/boy-with-autism-and-adhd-gains-better-focus-and-body-awareness-in-6-weeks) [ ![Smiling boy with a bowl of cherries. Text: “Interventions worked wonders” for adopted boy](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_ViSc_D.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/young-boy-makes-great-progress-less-aggression-more-compliance-and-participation) ### [ Young Boy Makes Great Progress—Less Aggression, More Compliance and Participation ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/young-boy-makes-great-progress-less-aggression-more-compliance-and-participation) [ ![Boy smiling into camera. Text: Boy stops toe walking.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_ElCa_A.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/no-toe-walking-for-the-first-time-after-less-than-a-week-of-rhythmic-movements) ### [ No Toe Walking for the First Time after Less than a Week of Rhythmic Movements ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/no-toe-walking-for-the-first-time-after-less-than-a-week-of-rhythmic-movements) [ ![Young man walking down the street. Text: Conversed with Doctor for the First Time Ever](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_ShBr_ANON.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/young-man-with-down-syndrome-and-autism-has-new-abilities-after-six-weeks-of-rhythmic-movements) ### [ Young Man with Down Syndrome and Autism Has New Abilities after 6 Weeks of Rhythmic Movements. ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/young-man-with-down-syndrome-and-autism-has-new-abilities-after-six-weeks-of-rhythmic-movements) [ ![ Boy in ball pit. Text: Preschooler now loves to play.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_MaDe_N.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/preschooler-wary-of-play-now-loves-to-go-into-the-ball-pit-and-on-the-swing) ### [ Preschooler Wary of Play, Now Loves to Go into the Ball Pit and on the Swing ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/preschooler-wary-of-play-now-loves-to-go-into-the-ball-pit-and-on-the-swing) [ ![Boy looking at his mom. Text: Boy makes big steps.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_CS_B.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/after-12-weeks-boy-shows-greater-interest-in-higher-level-cognitive-tasks) ### [ After 12 Weeks, Boy Shows Greater Interest in Higher Level Cognitive Tasks ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/after-12-weeks-boy-shows-greater-interest-in-higher-level-cognitive-tasks) [ ![ Teen girl. Text: Teen girl, phobias and sensitivities diminish](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_TeDa_R.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/teens-phobias-diminish-after-summer-of-rhythmic-movement) ### [ Teen's Phobias Diminish After Summer of Rhythmic Movement ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/teens-phobias-diminish-after-summer-of-rhythmic-movement) [ ![Boy sitting by himself looking out a car or bus window. Text: Boy with ASD shows growth in all areas of school development](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_JM_B2.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/boy-with-severe-autism-makes-remarkable-progress-in-play-academics-speech-gross-motor-and-fine-motor-skills) ### [ Boy with Severe Autism Makes Remarkable Progress in Play, Academics, Speech, Gross Motor and Fine Motor Skills ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/boy-with-severe-autism-makes-remarkable-progress-in-play-academics-speech-gross-motor-and-fine-motor-skills) [ ![ASD symptoms and global dev delay, OT sees huge improvement](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_TA_ANON2.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/asd-symptoms-and-global-dev-delay-ot-sees-huge-improvement) ### [ ASD Symptoms and Global Dev Delay; OT Sees Huge Improvement ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/asd-symptoms-and-global-dev-delay-ot-sees-huge-improvement) [ ![Young boy on a swing. Text: "6-Year-Old Boy: Gross Motor Gains, Decrease in Anxiety and Behavior Issues"](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_MoBa_G.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/six-year-old-boy-gross-motor-gains-decrease-in-anxiety-and-behavior-issues) ### [ 6-Year-Old Boy: Gross Motor Gains, Decrease in Anxiety and Behavior Issues ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/six-year-old-boy-gross-motor-gains-decrease-in-anxiety-and-behavior-issues) [ ![Young man with a back pack. Text: Confidence for college.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_ThWi_D.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/young-man-reduces-anxiety-and-improves-sleep-focus-and-academic-performance) ### [ Young Man Reduces Anxiety and Improves Sleep, Focus, and Academic Performance ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/young-man-reduces-anxiety-and-improves-sleep-focus-and-academic-performance) Page 1 of 2 - - - 1 - [ 2 ](https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/autism-case-studies?start=30) - [ ](https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/autism-case-studies?start=30) - [ ](https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/autism-case-studies?start=30)