Leah K. Light

Title : Masgutova Neuro-Sensory-Motor Reflex Integration (MNRI)

Abstract:

Dr. Leah Light, on behalf of the Svetlana Masgutova Educational Institute (SMEI), will discuss primary reflexes, which encompass our innate and subcortical, genetic motor intelligence that ultimately gives rise to more controlled physical activity, emotional and behavioral self-regulation, and higher levels of conscious thought and analytical thinking. Developmental sequelae that often result from poorly integrated primary reflexes will be reviewed and their negative impact on self-reliance, stress levels, and the ability to learn cohesively. Discussion of how MNRI® (Masgutova Neuro-SensoryMotor Reflex Integration) uses specific strategies and techniques to connect the brain-body system by supporting maturation of neural pathways from the brainstem to the cortex will be described. Published articles and research outlining the benefits of using MNRI® with various populations including Down’s Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, and Chronic Bronchitis will be discussed so as to show the far reaching benefits of this relatively simple yet profound neuro-sensory-motor approach that is shared with family members and caregivers for at-home use.

Audience Take Away:

Attendees of this session will learn about the functional purpose of primary reflexes and the role they play in laying the foundation for human development. They will also learn some simple techniques to identify children and adults with retained primary reflexes and when to refer to a specialist for primary reflex integration services. A few basic reflex integration techniques will be demonstrated for attendees to begin using with children suspected of having a Reflex Integration Disorder. Attendees will also learn about supporting research and studies that are currently underway by the Svetlana Masgutova Educational Institute to provide further validation for the use of the MNRI® program for a variety of neurological and health conditions.

Biography:

Dr. Leah Light is owner and director of the Brainchild Institute. She completed her B.A. in Special Education and her Master of Science and Doctorate (Au.D.) degrees in Audiology. In addition, she completed a year of speech pathology studies. Dr. Light is a member and is certified by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). She is also a member of AAA, FLASHA and FLAA. Having worked with almost every aspect of hearing impairment and deafness from newborns to the aged, Dr. Light has extensive clinical expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss, vestibular dysfunction and other auditory related disorders. In addition, she has worked as an integral part of child development and patient management teams. Over the past 24 years, Dr. Light’s focus has centered around neurodevelopmental audiology and Auditory Processing Disorders. In addition, Dr. Light is a certified Core Specialist and instructor in the Masgutova Method (MNRI®), a program for addressing retained primary reflexes, which are often at the root of impairments in communication, learning, behavior, and social skills. Dr. Light regularly attends conferences and workshops on (Central) Auditory Processing Disorders in addition to a variety of related areas to better understand the global impact of sensory, motor and neurological deficits on central auditory processing skills. As a neurodevelopmental specialist, she has participated as a speaker in events for numerous organizations including the American Academy of Audiology and the Florida Academy of Audiology. Furthermore, Dr. Light has written articles for local magazines and newspapers, and authored a chapter in the book, Auditory Processing Disorders: Assessment, Management, and Treatment