Episode 317-Movement Matters: An Interview with Autism Advocate Dr. Mark Fleming

Send us a text Every movement matters. That"s the powerful message Dr. Mark Fleming brings to his work with autistic individuals seeking to improve their physical wellness. Diagnosed with autism at age 11 due to motor and speech challenges, Dr. Fleming has transformed his personal experience into a mission that"s changing lives across the autism community. The conversation reveals how seemingly simple movements can dramatically improve quality of life when approached with understanding and expertise. Dr. Fleming shares the story of preventing a young client"s knee surgery through dedicated movement therapy – a success that proved even more critical as the child later experienced significant growth in height. These tangible results highlight the vital importance of adaptive physical training for neurodivergent individuals. What makes Dr. Fleming"s approach revolutionary is his deep recognition that autism manifests differently in each person and fluctuates daily. "I know how my autism affects me, but I don"t know how it affects them," he explains. This perspective allows him to create truly individualized programs focused on functional movements that directly translate to improved independence: squats that mimic sitting and standing, push-pull motions for daily tasks, balance exercises, and reaching movements. His insights on nutrition for sensory-sensitive individuals provide a refreshing alternative to rigid diet plans. Rather than overwhelming clients with dramatic dietary overhauls, Dr. Fleming advocates for gradual modifications and supplementation, drawing from his own experiences with food sensitivities. "If someone"s eating ten cheeseburgers daily, let"s reduce to seven and add a vitamin," he suggests pragmatically. From the child who first walked to chase an ice cream truck to the doctoral graduate defying expectations, Dr. Fleming"s journey exemplifies the power of understanding individual motivation and capability. Connect with him on social media under "Official Dr Mark" to discover how specialized movement training could transform your or your loved one"s daily living experiences. Support the show