What is SPIN? A Holistic Approach to Autism Therapy in Northern Virginia

At Brain Treatment Center Ashburn, we take pride in providing a comprehensive, whole-body approach to supporting brain health. That’s why we’ve developed SPIN (Somatic Program for Integrative NeuroBalancing)—a cutting-edge program designed to address the root causes of neurological and emotional imbalances. Whether you’re searching for autism therapy in Northern Virginia or need a holistic treatment plan for sensory processing disorders, SPIN offers a solution backed by science and experience.

SPIN was developed in partnership with Dr. Autumn O’Hara, OTD, OTR/L, HPCS, an experienced occupational therapist specializing in hippotherapy, myofascial release, and dynamic nervous system regulation. As a Board-Certified Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist, Dr. O’Hara has dedicated her career to helping individuals overcome sensory, motor, and emotional challenges through holistic, hands-on therapy.

Co-created by Marsha Lessard, a certified Naturopath and functional health practitioner, SPIN is deeply rooted in personal experience and evidence-based clinical practices. Marsha’s background includes graduate-level training in mental health and trauma recovery, and she is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work (MSW), specializing in PTSD and veteran mental health. After utilizing these integrative therapies to help her own son recover from nonverbal autism, she refined this approach into a structured program that combines functional neuroscience, sensory integration, and somatic healing techniques to support both children and adults.

With a strong foundation in occupational therapy, functional health, and somatic integration, SPIN is designed to address the root causes of dysregulation in individuals with autism, ADHD, PTSD, sensory processing disorders, and other neurological challenges.

Dr. O’Hara leads weekly one-on-one sessions with every participant, offering expert guidance to help them achieve their optimal potential. As a Board-Certified Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist (HPCS), she has spent years working with individuals with complex neurological challenges, including children with autism. Her deep understanding of the nervous system, sensory processing, and the connection between body and mind is integral to the success of the SPIN program.

This six-week program, held three times per week, provides structured, targeted interventions that retrain the nervous system for better adaptability, emotional resilience, and sensory integration. Participants also benefit from weekly one-on-one sessions with an experienced occupational therapist, ensuring expert oversight and individualized guidance throughout the program.

Key Features of SPIN

✔ Dynamic Nervous System Regulation – Improves adaptability to stress and enhances self-regulation for emotional and cognitive balance.

✔ Optimal Sensory Processing – Strengthens the ability to interpret and respond appropriately to environmental stimuli, improving focus, learning, and social engagement.

✔ Miello Method Exercises & Dynamic Body Balancing – Addresses structural imbalances and nervous system dysfunction, promoting coordination, motor skills, and neurological harmony.

✔ Primitive Reflex Integration – Resolves retained reflexes that contribute to movement challenges, sensory sensitivities, and emotional dysregulation.

✔ Myofascial Release Therapy – A hands-on technique used within the occupational therapy component of SPIN to release muscle restrictions, improve mobility, and enhance nervous system function.

✔ Biofeedback & Light Therapy – Advanced modalities to promote neurological communication, reduce inflammation, and support brain health.

✔ Nutrition for Brain Health – Educating families on how dietary interventions can support cognitive function and emotional well-being.

Who is SPIN For?

SPIN is designed for individuals of all ages, from young children to adults, who struggle with sensory processing issues, emotional dysregulation, developmental delays, PTSD, or neurological imbalances. Our program is particularly beneficial for children with autism in Northern Virginia, helping them achieve greater self-regulation, attention, and functional independence.

SPIN + MeRT: A Powerful Combination

For individuals looking for a next-level approach to autism therapy, SPIN can be paired with MeRT (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy). MeRT is a highly customized, non-invasive brain stimulation treatment used to optimize brainwave activity, further supporting improvements in communication, emotional balance, and cognitive function.

Get Started with SPIN Today

If you’re looking for a holistic autism therapy program in Northern Virginia, SPIN at Brain Treatment Center Ashburn offers a personalized, evidence-based approach to neurological wellness. With expert oversight from an experienced occupational therapist and a multidisciplinary team, we provide a structured yet flexible program designed to foster lasting improvements in nervous system function.

📍 Located at 44355 Premier Plaza Ste 220 Ashburn, VA 20147

📅 Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see if SPIN is the right fit for your child or family.

703-857-2560

BrainTreatmentCenterAshburn.com/spin