What to expect from MST – (Children and Adults)

As we observe behavioral and performance changes during the first 30-120 days from the initiation of MST, there may be sticking points and turning points. When we are a child, development depends on sensory stimulation experiences, and brain connections are accelerated by multisensory stimulation. This is the concept of neuroplasticity… the brain continually reorganizes itself throughout life from the multiple sensory inputs it receives. Like any natural process, it may appear uneven, with the emergence of temporary and immature behaviors as new information and experiences are absorbed and assimilated.

Some adults experience neural insults throughout life that can interfere with this established development that was successful during their childhood. And/or, adults may have a history of multisensory development imperfections that do not interfere with behavior and function until a neural insult occurs.

As MST sessions progress, behaviors, both desirable and undesirable may intensify. Children may be more affectionate, express their feelings in new and more thoughtful ways, handle disappointments more maturely, show marked improvement in motor planning skills and initiate and execute more complex speech. Also, sensory defensiveness may disappear. Other changes noted by parents or family/friends often include: increased responsiveness and flexibility, mature artwork, gains in toilet training, compliance with auditory requests, understanding humor and showing academic readiness.

But as we challenge the sensory systems we may see unwanted behaviors and performance temporarily before more age-appropriate responses to sensory input emerge. Less mature developmental behaviors such as stimming, stuttering, drooling, oral fixation, bathroom accidents, temper tantrums, or crawling sometimes reappear. The reemergence of immature behaviors is typical and transitory. We are retracing the child’s individual path of development and old behaviors or coping patterns may be revisited. Adults may experience a temporary return of old injuries both physically and emotionally. We see these behaviors and retracings as positive, representing responsiveness and flexibility with the nervous system during MST.

For instance, when learning a new golf swing there may be periods of awkwardness, frustration and fatigue. The individual’s muscles and nervous system are learning a new sequence of movements that will ultimately result in a better game. As the learning process continues the old swing is replaced with new movements and a new rhythm.

There may be an intense point in this process where the old way is no longer automatic or comfortable and the new way is not yet mastered. On the surface things may appear worse than when the process began. Signs of frustration, unease, and or fatigue may occur. Immature coping skills may be revisited that were previously abandoned. Again, we see these behaviors as positive, representing responsiveness and flexibility with the nervous system…a change for the better is in the making!

Day by day we want you to report observations of behavioral and performance changes so we can better appreciate the progress occurring. We are grateful to be a part of this exciting growth for your child and/or you.