Primitive Reflex Integration Therapy

How can Primitive Reflex Integration Therapy help my child?

By age three-and-a-half, or four, the reflexes (primitive reflexes) used in the womb and early stages of infancy should be integrated, and form the foundation for upright (postural reflexes) movement and coordination. If, for any reason, these baby reflexes are retained, they interfere with progressive motor development and the thinking skills needed for independent learning in childhood and beyond.

Children of all ages and abilities can present with immature integration of the primitive reflexes. We understand the specific needs for those with learning difficulties, as well as very young children, where a preventative measure needs to be applied before starting in a formal academic setting.

This programme is an opportunity to re-address issues from a child’s early infancy, or from birthing trauma, and to help correct any stages of development the child may have missed, or not performed for long enough. It aims to make the neural connections throughout the brain in a very simple, effective and natural way. When the reflexes are integrated, we can have better resources to call upon for learning, and the tasks we need throughout our lives. Reading, writing, and learning in general, becomes easier and more enjoyable.

How does it work?

Primitive Reflex Integration therapy is a combination of techniques from various modalities that address primitive reflexes. Primitive Reflex Integration is a movement-based programme that helps improve the neurological foundations of sensory-motor development, and the linking up of the brain, using the gentle developmental movements that every baby and infant should learn to make. The programme follows the natural stages of brain and sensory development through primitive and postural reflex integration.

It addresses:

  • The main primitive reflexes and helps integrate them progressively

  • Moro Reflex

  • Fear Paralysis Reflex (FPR)

  • Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)

  • Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)

  • Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)

  • Spinal Galant

  • Babinski

  • Plantar, Palmar,

  • Hands Pulling, Grasp

  • Babkin reflexes

How is the therapy delivered?

Primitive Reflex Integration is a series of exercises implemented by the therapist, and followed through by the parent(s) for six weeks at home. The therapist’s work is usually done in our London therapy centre, but can be done in series of home visits too. The reflexes are interconnected, so there is a progressive nature to the therapy which must be followed through. In instances where the reflexes are not integrating easily, the child continues at home until there is progress, and the interval for the follow up can be increased to suit.

What should I do next?

If you are interested in Reflex Integration Therapy please book your initial assessment below.

What other tools does Raviv Practice London have for children at pre-school level or individuals at this developmental level?

There are plenty of other services that can help remove stress and anxiety, and nurture the development of better motor coordination for learning readiness, which are an excellent follow-on from Reflex Integration Therapy. For example, The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), Listening Therapy (iLS), or even One-to-One Therapy.