At Therahappy, primitive reflex integration is one of the core facets of our intensive programs. We understand the significance that retained primitive reflexes plays in a child’s optimal recovery, wellness, and development. Integrating reflexes with our intensives includes hands on treatment, parent and caregiver education for carryover at home, and a methodical approach to treating what is holding the child back in development and function.
We treat integrated reflexes in a variety of kiddos – from severe brain injuries to genetic conditions to developmental delay.
Sometimes people come to us because another therapist, doctor, or friend suggested looking into primitive reflexes as the possible reason their child is struggling in an area. We are here to help!
We offer primitive reflex testing to rule out any retained reflexes that may be present, as well as any potential absent postural reactions – which are imperative for safety as children become more mobile. Once testing is complete you will have the option to work on exercises at home and meet periodically to reassess the child’s progress or engage in an intensive therapy program to integrate the reflexes in our clinic.
Depending on the child’s unique needs, integrating reflexes with an intensive program may include a variety of modalities including, but not limited to: Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI), TheraSuit, Universal Exercise Unit (UEU), Whole Body Vibration (HyperVibe), Awareness Through Movement.
What are primitive reflexes?
Primitive reflexes are involuntary movements all babies are born with that each serve a unique role in infant survival. These movements become replaced by voluntary, coordinated movements and a series of postural reflexes that are present throughout the lifespan. When primitive reflexes linger longer than they should, they can wreak havoc on development and you may notice your child having difficulties with one or more of these:
- Gross motor skills (ex: riding a bike or balancing on one leg)
- Fine motor coordination (ex: handwriting, completing a task involving both hands like stacking blocks)
- Visual motor skills (ex: doing a puzzle, tossing ball back and forth)
- Posture (ex: slouches or leans during handwriting, always seems to need to fidget in chair, or wiggle in seat)
- Self-esteem (ex: struggles internally due to challenges keeping up with peers on the playground)
- Sensory processing (ex: hypersensitive OR undersensitive to loud sounds or sudden movement)
- Self-regulation (ex: difficulty self-calming when upset, or always seems to be in a “fight-or-flight” mode)
- Bed-wetting after the age of 5
New learning of any kind of motor skills is especially difficult for children with retained primitive reflexes. The good news is it is never too late to address these retained reflexes!
Get started on primitive reflex testing by filling out the form below: