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Movement Method Conference: A Breakthrough in Autism Therapy

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The words Movement Method on top of an illustrated graphic of a human head with a bright light in the brain

On Sept. 13, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University will host the Movement Method conference, representing an important milestone in treating autism and similar neurodiversities. "Movement Method: A Neuroscience-Based Kinetic Approach to Cognition in Autism and Similar Neurodiversities," will highlight new approaches that deviate from conventional therapies.

Temple Grandin, Ph.D., a renowned autism advocate, author and speaker who collaborated with Rupert Isaacson on these methods, will provide the keynote. Dr. Grandin's participation emphasizes the credibility and impact of Movement Method in autism therapy.

The development of this conference derived from the personal journey of the course director, Megan McGavern, D.O., an internal medicine physician with Riverside Regional Medical Center whose eldest son Cole is autistic. Cole did not respond to routine therapies recommended by his physician, including speech therapy, occupational therapy and applied behavioral analysis. By the age of five, despite all interventions, as well as outpatient feeding clinic, Brain Balance and specialized education, Cole became what is known as “failure to thrive.” While researching alternative solutions, Dr. McGavern came across the book "The Horse Boy" by Rupert Isaacson, which introduced the Movement Method and Horse Boy Method as effective treatments for autism.

In 2017, the McGaverns traveled to Austin, Texas, to visit Isaacson's ranch, where they observed remarkable improvements in Cole after just one week. Cole, who was mostly nonverbal, began to speak, gained weight, and experienced a significant reduction in emotional meltdowns. This led the McGaverns to homeschool Cole while incorporating the Movement Method, resulting in sustained academic and emotional development.

The Movement Method conference represents a pivotal step in expanding therapeutic options for autism. By bringing together medical professionals, educators and caregivers, the conference aims to foster a broader acceptance and implementation of this innovative approach, offering hope and improved outcomes for many families living with autism.

The conference will take place both virtually and in-person at Waitzer Hall from 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. For more information or to register, please visit the Continuing Medical Education (CME) website.