Are you concerned that you might be missing something in your approach to therapy?
Do you wish you could have a bigger impact in a shorter amount of time?
Do you want a step-by-step system that is tested, proven, and supported by evidence?
The Brain and Sensory Foundations course gives easy-to-use tools to build sensory processing, speech, learning and social-emotional skills
Watch this 1 minute video!
Make a HUGE impact.
Learn tools for overcoming sensory issues.
Be inspired by profound and measurable results.
Effective movement programs for all ages.
See Massive Transformation
Gain Confidence
Have Fun!
Amazing Transformation:
Drawings done by students of
Nina Gallwey, of the Siskiyou School
Transformation for Adults Too:
"After" Sample 2, below
February 16, 2016, Handwriting is greatly improved after one week using movements from the Brain and Sensory Foundations course. Submitted by Virginia Holcomb, OTR/L, CLT
"Before" Sample 1, below
What Parents and Therapists Say
"Addressing retained reflexes can help so much if only therapists knew more about them. The videos were excellent, as were the many handouts and training manual. The information was presented clearly and there were opportunities to have questions answered. Overall, it was wonderful! I feel like I got way more than my money's worth!" ~ Laura Masciarelli, PT
"I took your online Brain and Sensory Foundations class last spring. I feel that the training I received has transformed my practice and the way I approach my patients. Every child who has participated in reflex integration activities has made so much progress in the past 6 months in our facility and it has been so wonderful to have parents and kids excited about therapy!" ~ Nikki Kieffer, OT
"This has been a life-changing course for our family. Our son's classic ADHD symptoms are greatly reduced and I doubt that any professional would diagnose him as ADHD now. This has happened within 2 months. This course is money well spent, and the knowledge will last a lifetime for your family. Everyone stands to benefit." ~ M.F., parent, Utah
"The most astounding thing about this class to me is that I took it with my students in mind but I ended up benefitting just as much from all of the wonderful information! ~ Marcia Bruseo, OTR/L
Check out these short videos
8 Sessions Available 24/7
Plus Live online Q & A Sessions
Instant access after registration
Course access available through July 31, 2025
In this 8 session course, we focus on integrating reflexes with tools from a wide variety of neurodevelopmental movement methods. We learn simple movements that give children the foundation for learning, emotional maturity, speech, language, social skills, physical strength, and upright posture. The movements are ideal for teens and adults as well.
This training course is excellent for OTs, OTAs, PTs, PTAs, SLPs, vision therapists, educators, parents, health care providers, social workers, mental health, addiction and family counselors, yoga therapists, caregivers, and anyone interested in neurodevelopmental movements for optional functioning. This course is introductory and does not require pre-requisites or special training to attend.
The Brain and Sensory Foundations online course is pre-recorded and accessible 24/7. There are 8 sessions of online video-based trainings (approximately 95-120 minutes each) that can be viewed at your own pace through July 31, 2025. Questions about the course can be emailed to Sonia Story, your instructor, throughout the length of the course. In addition, live online Q & A sessions will be scheduled approximately every 2 weeks throughout the course so you can ask questions and receive answers in real time.*
See Course Completion Requirements Below
- For OTs and OTAs in USA, 1.8 AOTA CEUs** [CE Broker Tracking #: 50-32845]
- For PTs and PTAs in qualifying states of USA: This course is subcontracted to Redefine Health Education (RHE) for 18 contact hours. Courses subcontracted to RHE will be accepted for PT/PTA licensure credit in all the jurisdictions listed on this webpage, pursuant to regulation or direct approval: www.redefinehealthed.com/ceuinfo. [Florida CE Broker Number for PTs/PTAs in Florida: Brain and Sensory Foundations, First Level (Part 1) - 20-891759]
- For LMTs in USA (except in New York state) 18 CEUs from NCBTMB
- For professional counselors, 19 credit hours via NBCC, (except in New York state); other states may have contingencies. Check with your licensure board to verify acceptance of NBCC Approval. Move Play Thrive is an NBCC Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7213 Go to the NBCC State Board Directory at https://www.nbcc.org/search/stateboarddirectory to find the applicable contact information.
- For International Association of Orofacial Myofunctional (IAOM) members, 18 CEUs.
Contact Hours: 18 hours of online course programming and assignments/19 hours for mental health professionals. See more information about course assignments below. NOTE: It is each student’s responsibility to make sure the course meets the approval of the student's licensing board. If you have CE questions, email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Register Online For Instant Access!
You will receive...
Research on the connection between un-integrated reflexes and learning challenges and ADHD symptoms.
Outstanding sensory integration tools.
Information on why infant movements build learning, sensory processing, social-emotional skills, speech and balance.
Movements and games for integrating 11 key infant reflexes.
Innate infant rhythmic movements for brain maturity.
Movements for reducing stress, trauma and anxiety.
Simple, but powerful movement strategies for taking the stress out of goals.
Playful movements to do with children.
Brain and Sensory Foundations tools are effective for helping with:
-
ADD/ADHD
-
Poor sensory processing
-
Autism, anxiety, Aspergers
-
Behavior challenges
-
Poor balance, coordination, gait
-
Intense emotional outbursts
-
Learning challenges
-
Developmental delays
-
Speech delays, selective mutism
-
Poor muscle tone
-
Stress, trauma/PTSD
-
Sleep challenges
-
Stroke and TBI
-
Handwriting Issues
-
Bedwetting/Toileting
PTs and PTAs: Go here to see Supporting Research, Evidence-Based Rationale for Physical Therapy Practice
OTs and OTAs: Go here to see Supporting Research, Evidence-Based Rationale for Occupational Therapy Practice
Parents and therapists using these tools report increases in sensory processing, balance, academic achievement. They see more harmony in family life, and children reaching new levels of calm, fitness, motivation and happiness. Though the emphasis of this class is on children, Brain and Sensory Foundations tools are equally effective for teens and adults.
See more about what therapists and parents say here
This course is for you if:
- You have a desire to make a huge difference for your children and/or clients. View Case Studies here.
- You are eager to experience for yourself the transformative, stress-busting power of innate neuro-movements.
- You enjoy seeing measurable results and helping others!
This course is not for you if:
- You are a professional who needs CEUs, but you do not plan to apply the tools.
- You do not want to investigate new concepts and tools in the arena of sensory integration.
From our Students:
End of course evaluation surveys are anonymous except when student volunteers name or initials in the comments section.
From our Students:
End of Course Survey Ratings on a scale of 0 to 5
Registration Dates:
Program Access: From registration date through July 31, 2025
Course Assignments for Certificate and/or CEUs Due: July 31, 2025
Tuition $495 or two payments of $255 each
Register Online Now!
Course training manual is 100 pages, hardcopy, spiral bound, professionally designed with color photos and instructions and is an excellent reference companion that is included with the course.
For shipping of course manual outside the USA, add $33 USD. Some International shipments require additional postage fees.
A $117 fee applies for one year of course access extension. This one-time extension is for one full year (determined by cohort date), includes instructor support, and course assignments for CEUs can be turned in any time during the extension period.
Our Guarantee: If you are not satisfied for any reason, return all course materials to PO Box 676, Chimacum, WA 98325, along with your refund request within 30 days of your registration for a full refund. Course materials must be unused and in good condition to receive full refund.
Course Information
Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course students will be able to:
- Execute a two-minute Brain Tune up protocol for stress release and improved learning.
- Identify 5 principles important in applying innate rhythmic developmental movements for maturing brain and sensory-motor systems.
- Identify at least 3 research studies showing associations of retained infant reflexes with developmental delays, learning challenges or behavioral challenges.
- Identify the stimulus and movement pattern for each of 11 key primitive and postural reflexes: Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex, Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex, Symmetric Tonic Neck Reflex, Hands and Feet Reflexes (two each), Fear Paralysis Reflex, Moro Reflex, Spinal Galant Reflex, Head Righting Reflex.
- Apply movement protocols for integration of 11 key primitive and postural reflexes, thereby maturing the neuro-sensory-motor foundations for skill building.
- Plan a “5-Step Balance” process to help with releasing stress and attaining goals. (Sessions 5 & 6, plus student application and practice)
- Facilitate a “5-Step Balance” process to help with releasing stress and attaining goals.
Course Desription and Objectives: To view pdf click here
Course Syllabus: To view click here
Read Course FAQs before registration To view FAQs click here
View Inspiring Case Studies all written by students of the Brain and Sensory Foundations, First Level course
Course Completion Requirements
For those taking this course for continuing education credits and/or a certificate of completion, the following steps are required.
- Attend or view all sessions for the full duration of the training.
- Complete a multiple choice exam with a score of 75% or higher.
- Actively participate in learning the movements experientially and record the experience in brief journal entries to be submitted in Word format to Sonia Story via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Journal entries are evaluated by Instructor and feedback is sent to Learner as confirmation of satisfactory completion.
- Show competency in practical application through written case studies to be submitted in Word format to Sonia Story via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Case studies are evaluated by the Instructor, and feedback is sent to Learner as confirmation of satisfactory completion. Learner agrees that case studies will not include any information that identifies an individual. In addition, case studies may be shared in part of whole by Sonia Story or agents of Move Play Thrive, unless otherwise instructed by author of case study. To see instructions for Journals and Case Studies, click here.
- Complete an online end-of-course evaluation survey.
- Students are also expected to read all course handouts in addition to course manual
IMPORTANT: Please allow 4 to 8 weeks after submitting assignments to receive feedback from instructor about your course assignments. If you require your certificate by a certain date, let instructor know this when you submit the assignment and give at least 4 weeks lead time. Less than 4 weeks lead time may require a fee of $40 USD to expedite your feedback and certificate.
*Live, Online Q & A Sessions
Questions about the course can be asked by emailing to Sonia Story, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. throughout the length of the course. Or questions can be asked through Chat with live, online responses as long as you agree that your questions may be recorded and shared with Brain and Sensory Foundations student community. Students will be sent emails to access live, online Q & A sessions; they are generally held 2 times per month on Tuesdays and/or Thurs evenings.
Students must check email for updates on Live Q & A sessions. These sessions are helpful, but not mandatory for CEUs. Links to the recordings of the Live Q & A sessions are sent to all students via email.
Please note answers to extensive questions requiring detailed responses that are beyond the scope of the class may be available with a phone and/or email consultation. Rate for extra consultation is $175 per hour with a half hour minimum.
Technical Requirements
- Internet Connection is required. Online recorded sessions are viewable on mobile devices, tablets or cell phones or computers.
- Web browsers and operating systems supported at our main course content website
- Browsers: Please use the latest version (or the one before that) of Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Chrome, or a modern mobile browser such as Mobile Safari.
- Operating Systems: Please use the latest two versions of Windows or Mac.
- For the optional Live Q & A sessions: Use Chrome or Firefox browsers. Internet Connection is required using a PC, Laptop or Mac computer to access the NewRow online learning platform.
- Go here for system requirements: https://knowledge.kaltura.com/help/kaltura-meeting-system-requirement
- Use this quick-test page to verify you have what you need to join the optional live Q & A sessions: https://smart.newrow.com/kme-test
Instructional Methods
- Lecture
- Training manual
- PowerPoint presentation
- Video demonstration
- Independent experiential lab practice
- Sharing of case studies
- Questions and answers
About the Instructor
Sonia Story developed the Brain and Sensory Foundations training to provide in-depth, comprehensive training in the use of innate rhythmic and infant primitive and postural reflex movements. These movements are foundational for addressing sensory, learning, physical, behavioral, emotional, social, and speech challenges.
The innate movements Sonia teaches are used successfully by OTs, PTs, SLPs, mental health therapists, trauma specialists, educators, parents, and health practitioners for their clients of all ages. Sonia is the author of a white paper giving the relevance, rationale, and evidence basis for using these innate neurodevelopmental movements in OT and PT practice. Sonia’s white paper was deemed by a reviewer at Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) to be excellent for showing the relevance of innate neurodevelopmental movements to the practice of physical therapy. Sonia’s training courses have been approved for professional continuing education for occupational therapists, physical therapists, chiropractors, speech therapists, educators, and massage therapists.
Sonia Story trained directly with psychiatrist Harald Blomberg, MD, and kinesiologist Moira Dempsey, authors of the book, Movements That Heal and developers of the Rhythmic Movement Training (RMTi) curriculum. Sonia earned certification to instruct to the highest level of the RMTi curriculum, and taught the curriculum for 10 years and has been teaching the Brain and Sensory Foundations curriculum since 2008.
She has also learned from mentors Jon Bredal, Bonnie Brandes, Bill Hubert, Svetlana Masgutova and many other leaders in integrative movement. Sonia synthesizes numerous methods of innate rhythmic movements and reflex integration and has further training in Developmental Movement, MNRI, Bal-A-Vis-X, Brain Gym®, Nurtured Heart Approach, Nonviolent Communication, Hanna Somatics, Orthobionomy, and Storytelling with Children.
Since 2012, Sonia has been publishing case study reports—submitted by students of the Brain and Sensory Foundations courses. Over 112 case study reports showcase the exceptional results using these innate neurodevelopmental movements tools.
Sonia is the author of the widely used Importance of Integrating Reflexes information sheet, and the article: Can ADHD Be Dissolved?, about how innate neurodevelopmental movements can help to overcome ADHD symptoms by addressing related balance, postural, and sensory-motor challenges.
Sonia was a presenter at the 2018 Autism One conference on how innate neurodevelopmental movements help with sensory issues. Sonia’s work has been featured in the book, Almost Autism: Recovering Children from Sensory Processing Disorder, and in the books Special Ed Mom Survival Guide; Family Health Revolution; and Same Journey, Different Paths, Stories of Auditory Processing Disorder. For more information about Sonia Story, go here.
Course Sponsor: Move Play Thrive, PO Box 676, Chimacum, WA 98325, For more information contact Sonia Story, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
In the event of cancellation by sponsor, all tuition fees are refunded in full. For professionals other than OTs, check with your professional licensing agency regarding CEUs.
Click here to View all Policies
Please let us know if you have a special needs request for attendance in this training course.
Though we cannot guarantee that we can provide every special needs accomodation, we will do our best to facilitate special needs. Because the course videos contain visual movement instructions, we are not able to accommodate for those who are blind. For students who are deaf or hard of hearing, you may request a written transcript from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
**Move Play Thrive is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development, provider ID# 8892. This distance-learning, online activity is offered at 1.8 CEUs, introductory level, OT Service Delivery/Foundational Knowledge. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
Important Note on Scope of Practice:
Depending on your profession, this course may include interventions and modalities that are beyond the authorized scope of your practice. As a licensed professional, you are responsible for reviewing the scope of practice, including activities that are defined in law as beyond the boundaries of practice in accordance with and in compliance with your professional standards. This course content is not intended for use by participants outside the scope of their license or regulation.
Disclosure:
Sonia Story, instructor for the Brain and Sensory Foundations course, receives compensation via Brain and Sensory Support Co. for conducting this course.
OBSF33_May 2024-July 2025