What are primitive reflexes and why are they important?
A primitive reflex is a spontaneous, involuntary response to a sensory trigger (touch, for example), which causes the body to react with movement. A baby’s early movements (driven by these reflexes) provide the practice necessary to develop strength, coordination, and connections in the brain. As the baby moves, the primitive reflexes start to fade (or integrate) and the baby is able to begin the floor-based movements that are critical for development. In fact, they are called neurodevelopmental movements because they develop the brain.
What are the postural reflexes and why are they important?
The integration of primitive reflexes prepares the body for the development of postural reflexes. Theses reflexes are meant to remain active because they give children strong postural control and balance and the ability to move easily and effortlessly. After the postural reflexes are fully developed, children have a strong foundation for all future learning (social, emotional, cognitive, behavioural).
What can happen when this process in incomplete?
This reflex-movement sequence develops the brain from the bottom up (brainstem first, mid-brain next, and lastly the cortex). If this process completes sequentially as it should, the integration of the reflexes will take place in the brainstem. If not, the child will struggle to consciously control movements that should be automatic (and require no attention). This will take more resources than the child has available and behavioural and emotional difficulties can present.
Gaps in this reflex-movement sequence can also affect the development of posture, balance, speech, sensory integration, visual and auditory skills, impulse control, cognitive skills, and regulation.
What can I do?
These early movements typically carried out by babies gently facilitate and encourage the central nervous system (CNS) to mature, gain the ability to learn, and build attention. It is well recognized that these sequential movement patterns are the foundation for growth and future learning. When this process has not gone smoothly, and there has been an omission, interruption, or lack of opportunity in the stimulation of the CNS, redoing these movements can give the brain another opportunity to mature. Because of brain plasticity, children can develop new neural pathways, move with greater ease, be better able to regulate themselves, and enjoy a stronger foundation for learning.
How do you determine which developmental steps my child is missing?
Parents are asked to complete and in-depth questionnaire detailing their child’s development. Following this, a baseline assessment is carried out to determine which primitive reflexes are retained, which postural reflexes are underdeveloped, and which neurodevelopmental movements the child struggles with. Based on this assessment, a customized program is developed for your child.
What does a therapy session look like?
Each session includes work with reflexes and developmental movement. The work on reflexes is “hands-on” and involves moving/manipulating different parts of the body. The child is taught to do the different developmental movements with some initial “hands-on” help until able to perform the movements unassisted. A cognitive component, based on individual needs (for example building memory or processing speed), is also included.
Where do the therapy sessions take place?
Therapy sessions take place either in my office or your home. My office is located in Georgetown, Ontario. I travel to surrounding areas, including Toronto.
Can I be involved in my child’s therapy?
The therapy program can be delivered in two different ways.
Two sessions per week (sessions are one hour in length) with me
A customized home program – parents are trained to carry out the program which is monitored with an in-home session every 6-8 weeks.
Are there evidence-based research studies to support this approach?
Yes, there are many studies that support this work. If you get in touch, I will email you a compiled list.