Primitive Reflex Integration Therapy

What are primitive reflexes?

Primitive reflexes are involuntary movement patterns which assist the development of certain skills in babies.  They begin their journey in utero and lay down the foundations for postural and emotional development and control of thoughts. As they develop, so does the nervous system.  By the time a child reaches their first birthday, these reflexes should be inhibited.  However, sometimes these reflexes do not complete their journey resulting in an immature nervous system.

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Retained primitive reflexes can make school life challenging, interfering with reading, writing, maths, balance, coordination, fine motor skills, sensory perceptions, energy levels and impulse control. For example, many of us have pressed our finger into the palm of a newborn baby for them to respond by gripping our finger, this is the Babkin Reflex. The Babkin is a hand-mouth reflex, seen when a baby's hands and feet move involuntarily, whilst they are suckling. This reflex should be integrated when a baby is around 5 months old. If you know someone who moved their mouth and/or tongue whilst completing a fine motor task such as writing,drawing or cutting then there is a very strong chance that they have still have an active Babkin Reflex.

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Reflex Integration Therapy, also known as Neurodevelopment Therapy, is an exercise based programme which aims to improve learning and behaviour challenges by stimulating and maturing the nervous system. It involves specific exercises which replicate and build on an infant's natural movement patterns to integrate the primitive reflexes, build neural pathways, create postural foundations and stimulate the senses.  Integrating our primitive reflexes allows the lifelong adult postural reflexes to mature.

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