---
title: "Move Play Thrive | Brain and Sensory Foundations Course - Gross Motor Skills"
description: "Children, teens, and adults use rhythmic movements and reflex integration to boost gross motor skills, coordination, balance, strength, and motor planning."
url: "https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/gross-motor-skills?start=60"
date: "2026-07-04T12:18:42+00:00"
language: "en-US"
---

#  Gross Motor Skills

##  Gross Motor Skills

## Gross Motor Gains with Primitive Reflex Integration

Integrating the primitive reflexes may build gross motor skills in individuals who experience issues with motor planning, coordination, gait, flexibility, or muscle tone. The success stories below demonstrate potential benefits to gross motor function from [innate rhythmic movements](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?Itemid=514 "Learn how rhythmic movements impact development") and [primitive reflex integration](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?Itemid=513 "How primitive reflexes lay the functional foundation").

*All case studies are written by students of the [Brain and Sensory Foundations First Level course](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?Itemid=362 "Course on innate rhythmic movements and primitive reflex integration").*

    [ ![Young boy blowing dandelion fluff. Text: Boy with ASD, Now Smiling and Moving Well](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_AnLa_A.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/5-yr-old-with-autism-was-crying-and-screaming-with-challenges-now-eager-to-try-new-skills)

###  [ 5-Year-Old with Autism: Was Crying and Screaming with Challenges, Now Eager to Try New Skills ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/5-yr-old-with-autism-was-crying-and-screaming-with-challenges-now-eager-to-try-new-skills)

   [ ![Boy smiling into camera. text: 13 year old boy with ASD: Mom sees huge improvements in 14 weeks. ](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_LT_S.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/young-teen-with-asd-and-spd-more-regulation-more-speech-more-stamina-more-fun)

###  [ Young Teen with ASD and SPD: More Regulation, More Speech, More Stamina, More Fun ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/young-teen-with-asd-and-spd-more-regulation-more-speech-more-stamina-more-fun)

   [ ![Mom and daughter doing stretches together. Text: Mom Sees "Huge Improvements in 6 months"](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_LT_ANON.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/12-yr-old-girl-with-dyspraxia-boosts-coordination-and-sports-ability)

###  [ 12-Yr-Old Girl with Dyspraxia Boosts Coordination and Sports Ability ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/12-yr-old-girl-with-dyspraxia-boosts-coordination-and-sports-ability)

   [ ![Boy calmly doing schoolwork. Text: From severe meltdowns to self-regulation](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_BF_B.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/boy-with-sensory-behavior-issues-ot-sees-huge-improvements-in-8-weeks)

###  [ Boy with Sensory-Behavior Issues; OT Sees Huge Improvements in 8 Weeks ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/boy-with-sensory-behavior-issues-ot-sees-huge-improvements-in-8-weeks)

   [ ![Girl balancing on playground equipment with the help of her dad. Text: Mom of girl with ASD: "I see progress almost every day."](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_LB_R.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/improvements-in-speech-motor-vision-social-emotional-after-one-year-a-completely-different-child)

###  [ Improvements in Speech, Motor, Vision, Social-Emotional — After One Year, “a Completely Different Child” ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/improvements-in-speech-motor-vision-social-emotional-after-one-year-a-completely-different-child)

   [ ![Boy practicing martial arts. Caption: Parent report major changes in teen son.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_AT_A.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/huge-improvements-in-focus-balance-handwriting-and-organization-for-13-year-old-boy)

###  [ Huge Improvements in Focus, Balance, Handwriting, and Organization for 13-Year-Old Boy ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/huge-improvements-in-focus-balance-handwriting-and-organization-for-13-year-old-boy)

   [ ![Boy joyfully tossing autumn leaves. Text: Decreased self-stim and aggression in 3 weeks!](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_AT_G.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/from-aggressive-to-giggly-and-playful-rhythmic-movements-and-reflex-integration-make-a-big-difference-for-5yo-boy)

###  [ From Aggressive to Giggly and Playful: Rhythmic Movements and Reflex Integration Make a Big Difference for 5-Year-Old Boy ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/from-aggressive-to-giggly-and-playful-rhythmic-movements-and-reflex-integration-make-a-big-difference-for-5yo-boy)

   [ ![Boy jogging away from camera. Text: Parents are Delighted in Son's Progress with Body.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_MS_L.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/ot-focuses-on-reflex-foundation-builds-focus-strength-self-regulation-pencil-grip)

###  [ OT Focuses on Reflex Foundation, Builds Focus, Strength, Self-Regulation, Pencil Grip ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/ot-focuses-on-reflex-foundation-builds-focus-strength-self-regulation-pencil-grip)

   [ ![Smiling boy sculpting with playdoh. Text: "It's like having a different kid."](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_ANON_ANON1.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/highly-anxious-7-year-old-separates-from-mother-gains-balance-and-develops-nice-handwriting)

###  [ Highly Anxious 7-Year-Old Separates from Mother, Gains Balance, and Develops Nice Handwriting ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/highly-anxious-7-year-old-separates-from-mother-gains-balance-and-develops-nice-handwriting)

   [ ![Boy laughing into camera. Text: In one week, remarkable positive changes.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_AsHa_W.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/9-year-old-is-helped-with-bedwetting-posture-energy-relaxation-and-coordination-improve)

###  [ 9-Year-Old Is Helped with Bedwetting; Posture, Energy, Relaxation, and Coordination Improve ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/9-year-old-is-helped-with-bedwetting-posture-energy-relaxation-and-coordination-improve)

   [ ![Boy resting in quadruped. Text: Bedwetting—Mom is thrilled with progress.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_MaMc_ANON2.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/ot-learns-simple-effective-tools-to-help-with-bedwetting-for-7-year-old)

###  [ OT Learns Simple, Effective Tools to Help with Bedwetting for 7-Year-Old ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/ot-learns-simple-effective-tools-to-help-with-bedwetting-for-7-year-old)

   [ ![Boy joyfully flinging his arms out while playing in a field. Text: "His physical therapist was in disbelief!"](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_MaMc_ANON1.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/ot-uses-playful-reflex-integration-to-help-boy-with-dcd)

###  [ OT Uses Playful Reflex Integration to Help Boy with DCD ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/ot-uses-playful-reflex-integration-to-help-boy-with-dcd)

   [ ![Toddler scooting on floor. Text: See Before and After Video!](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_MeEd_ANON.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/delayed-toddler-goes-from-only-bottom-scooting-to-walking-after-two-months-of-neurodevelopmental-movements)

###  [ Delayed Toddler Goes from Only Bottom Scooting to Walking After Two Months of Neurodevelopmental Movements ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/delayed-toddler-goes-from-only-bottom-scooting-to-walking-after-two-months-of-neurodevelopmental-movements)

   [ ![Three children lying in grass side-by-side. Text: From aggressive fighting to peaceful playing.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_AnPr_SIBS.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/three-siblings-with-asd-make-dramatic-progress-parents-are-overjoyed)

###  [ Three Siblings with ASD Make Dramatic Progress; Parents Are Overjoyed ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/three-siblings-with-asd-make-dramatic-progress-parents-are-overjoyed)

   [ ![Young boy writing, concentrating on homework. Text: Boy with ADHD expelled from school, is now thriving.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_KeSh_K.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/therapist-helps-boy-with-adhd-show-his-skills-and-gain-his-first-true-success)

###  [ Therapist Helps Boy with ADHD Show His Skills and Gain His “First True Success” ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/therapist-helps-boy-with-adhd-show-his-skills-and-gain-his-first-true-success)

   [ ![Girl smiling into camera. Text: Dismissed from speech therapy! Huge physical and academic success!](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_JeDa_R.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/from-iep-to-all-as-and-bs-on-report-card)

###  [ From IEP to all As and Bs on Report Card ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/from-iep-to-all-as-and-bs-on-report-card)

   [ ![Happy boy riding bike. Text: Explosive anger resolves, no longer prisoners to meltdowns.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_LaM_J.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/explosive-anger-resolves-no-longer-prisoners-to-meltdowns)

###  [ Explosive Anger Resolves, No Longer Prisoners to Meltdowns ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/explosive-anger-resolves-no-longer-prisoners-to-meltdowns)

   [ ![Back of a young man doing dishes. Text: ASD: Huge improvements for teen.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_EmNe_J.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/telehealth-sessions-relieve-anxiety-bring-focus-for-18-yo-with-autism)

###  [ Telehealth Sessions Relieve Anxiety, Bring Focus for 18-Year-Old with Autism ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/telehealth-sessions-relieve-anxiety-bring-focus-for-18-yo-with-autism)

   [ ![Smiling, confident-looking woman. Text: Movements bring relief from anxiety.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_EmNe_G.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/25-yo-law-student-less-panic-better-focus-and-sleep-increased-strength-and-happiness)

###  [ 25-Year-Old Law Student—Less Panic, Better Focus and Sleep; Increased Strength and Happiness ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/25-yo-law-student-less-panic-better-focus-and-sleep-increased-strength-and-happiness)

   [ ![Girl in a wheelchair playing with lap board. Text: Girl with CP no longer fearful.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_RM_ANON.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/pt-assistant-says-its-hard-to-believe-the-huge-impact-of-reflex-integration)

###  [ PT Assistant Says: “It’s Hard to Believe” the Huge Impact of Reflex Integration ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/pt-assistant-says-its-hard-to-believe-the-huge-impact-of-reflex-integration)

   [ ![Helpful girl drying dishes. Text: Relief from meltdowns and anxiety.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_HeDu_J.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/young-girl-develops-emotional-regulation-improves-handwriting-motor-skills-and-learning)

###  [ Young Girl Develops Emotional Regulation; Improves Handwriting, Motor Skills, and Learning ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/young-girl-develops-emotional-regulation-improves-handwriting-motor-skills-and-learning)

   [ ![Young boy playing with Legos. Text: Video—Delayed toddler makes huge gains.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_YoBa_G.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/less-flapping-and-mouthing-more-eye-contact-smiling-eating-and-playing-with-toys)

###  [ Less Flapping and Mouthing, More Eye Contact, Smiling, Eating, and Playing with Toys ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/less-flapping-and-mouthing-more-eye-contact-smiling-eating-and-playing-with-toys)

   [ ![Smiling boy working with mom and sister at tabletop. Text: Team of therapists change this boy's life.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_AmHa_A.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/boy-with-dev-delay-makes-huge-improvements-in-motor-skills-handwriting-attention-and-stamina)

###  [ Boy with Dev Delay Makes Huge Improvements in Motor Skills, Handwriting, Attention, and Stamina ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/boy-with-dev-delay-makes-huge-improvements-in-motor-skills-handwriting-attention-and-stamina)

   [ ![Giggling boy cuddling with mom. Text: Fine-motor improves to age-expected level.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_KrFu_M.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/parents-and-therapist-impressed-with-5-yo-boys-large-improvements-in-short-time)

###  [ Parents and Therapist Impressed with 5-YO Boy’s Large Improvements in Short Time ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/parents-and-therapist-impressed-with-5-yo-boys-large-improvements-in-short-time)

   [ ![Three-year-old girl focused on painting. Text: 3YO Gains Self-Regulation, ADLs](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_AnRu_A.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/therapist-amazed-at-effectiveness-of-innate-rhythmic-movements)

###  [ Therapist Amazed at Effectiveness of Innate Rhythmic Movements ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/therapist-amazed-at-effectiveness-of-innate-rhythmic-movements)

   [ ![Girl holding hands over ears. Text: No more fear response to sounds.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_MoCa_A.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/5yo-gains-sensory-integration-and-motor-planning)

###  [ 5-Year-Old Gains Sensory Integration and Motor Planning ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/5yo-gains-sensory-integration-and-motor-planning)

   [ ![Girl singing with a choir. Text: Therapist shocked by "Amount of Words."](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_DP_B.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/15yo-girl-with-autism-gains-communication-coordination-and-overcomes-meltdowns)

###  [ 15-Year-Old Girl with Autism Gains Communication, Coordination, and Overcomes Meltdowns ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/15yo-girl-with-autism-gains-communication-coordination-and-overcomes-meltdowns)

   [ ![Two images showing before-and-after improvements in drawing. the "before" version show faint pencil strokes of a roundish shape with arms and legs. The "after" version shows strong, confidents pencil strokes illustrating a person with hair, facial features, and hands and legs with hands and feel. Links to a case study titled, "5-Year-Old Boy with ADHD Gains Improvements in Behavior, Focus, and Fine Motor Skills"](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Misc_Images/Before_And_After_Gallery/BandA_GALL_InKi_M.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/5-yo-boy-with-adhd-gains-improvements-in-behavior-focus-and-fine-motor-skills)

###  [ 5-Year-Old Boy with ADHD Gains Improvements in Behavior, Focus, and Fine Motor Skills ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/5-yo-boy-with-adhd-gains-improvements-in-behavior-focus-and-fine-motor-skills)

   [ ![Pre-teen girl holding volleyball. Text: Help for Severe Sports Injury](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_ReQu_M.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/girl-with-pain-from-concussion-finds-relief-after-movements-from-brain-and-sensory-foundations)

###  [ Girl with Pain from Concussion Finds Relief after Movements from Brain and Sensory Foundations ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/girl-with-pain-from-concussion-finds-relief-after-movements-from-brain-and-sensory-foundations)

   [ ![Smiling boy swinging on a swing set. Autism: From running and screaming to happy and smiling.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_KO_R.jpg) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/autism-from-running-and-screaming-to-happy-and-smiling)

###  [ Autism: From Running and Screaming to Happy and Smiling ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/autism-from-running-and-screaming-to-happy-and-smiling)

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