# Continuing Education Courses in Primitive Reflex Integration & Rhythmic Movements for Optimal Sensory Processing, Executive Function, and Motor Skills ## Foundation for Optimal Function—Pediatric Primitive Reflex Integration Course 6 Hour, Live Online Professional Development Training [![Navy blue banner with 4 images of adults and children doing neurodevelopmental movement. Text: Unique, Child-Friendly, and Holistic Tools with a Proven Track Record for Effectiveness](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Misc_Images/FFOF/FFOF-banner_FINAL-TINY.webp)](#enroll) [![Logos of agencies that provide continuing education units for the Foundation for Optimal Function course: AOTA, ASHA, ceuPRO](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Partner_Logos/CEU_FFOF_LOGO_COLUMN_WEB.webp)](#ceu) Available to school districts, private organizations, and other groups, this course provides CEUs for OT, PT, SLP, social work, and nursing professionals. It is also excellent for mental health therapists, educators, and parents. ## Accomplish More in Less Time with Useful CEUs *Are you serving children who struggle with sensory processing disorders, anxiety, poor regulation, learning challenges, sleep issues, bedwetting, or social-emotional issues? Do you often see children who have fatigue, poor balance, toe-walking, or motor deficits?* **You will be empowered to help children make gains in the foundational skills that translate to meaningful functional abilities.** This course gives you 6-hours of useful training that is packed with practical, hands-on activities for the assessment and integration of 5 important primitive reflexes, PLUS other neurodevelopmental and integrative movements that enhance the effectiveness of primitive reflex integration: - Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR) - Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) - Spinal Galant Reflex - Moro Reflex - Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) - Innate Rhythmic Movements - Developmental Movements - Brain Tune Up - Playful activities These neurodevelopmental and integrative movements are highly effective for promoting core strength, stamina, balance, sensory processing, regulation, focus, and learning. ![Infographic of 6 colored circles, center text: Holistic Primitive Reflex Integration. Text for each circle, starting at the top and going clockwise: 5 Key Primitive Reflexes, Developmental Movements, Goal Achievement, Play-Based Activities, Brain Tune-Up, Innate Rhythmic Movements](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Misc_Images/FFOF/6_circlesFFOF.webp) [Contact us](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?option=com_rsform&view=rsform&formId=3&Itemid=570) for pricing and availability. ## See the Before and After Difference The tools from the Foundation for Optimal Function course boost the brain, body, and sensory systems to address a [large variety of challenges](https://moveplaythrive.com/conditions). Get evidence-based solutions with relaxing and fun primitive reflex integration activities that kids love. **For the children you care about, achieve deep and lasting changes like the ones you see here:** ![Before and after drawings made 10 minutes apart. The drawing made after doing neurodevelopmental movements shows far greater details and better body proportions](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Misc_Images/Before_And_After_Gallery/banda_gall_jc_k_ffof.webp) More content, detail, color, and more accurate body proportions after just 10 minutes of innate rhythmic movements. ![Before and after photos of a young boy with scoliosis showing improvements in spinal alignment](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Misc_Images/Before_And_After_Gallery/banda_gall_mabin-standard-ba-format.webp) "...curvature of his spine was no longer visible, he was able to maintain prone position comfortably." ![Before and after drawings by autistic child showing large gains in development](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Misc_Images/Before_And_After_Gallery/banda_gall_limu_anon3_ffof.webp) Before: 8.9 years old, test age 4.9 years After: 9.3 years old, test age 7.6 years ## Why the Foundation for Optimal Function Course is Special **Sonia Story, M.S. brings 20 years of experience specializing in primitive reflex integration to give you the best-of-the-best tools, AND a proven system for using these tools in a way that works.** Retained primitive reflexes are associated with compensations, stress, tension, and neurodevelopmental disorders. This course provides training in innate rhythmic and developmental movements along with play-based reflex integration activities to release stress, achieve regulation, and mature sensory processing. With these supporting tools you can make primitive reflex integration more comfortable, lasting, and effective. ![Mother and young daughter in 4-point on the floor passing a green and white soccer ball to each other](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Misc_Images/FFOF/ATNR-6_BallonCrawl_VeraB.webp) ### How Does This Translate to Functional Skills? Here is one of many examples, from an occupational therapist about her experience using these activities with a 4.5-year-old boy: *"...addressing the TLR through rhythmic movements and play-based activities can create meaningful functional changes.* ***I was surprised by how much progress \[my client\] made in only two months, despite receiving therapy just twice a week \[for 30 minutes per session\] and not having a home program.*** *One of my biggest takeaways was realizing that many of \[my client’s\] difficulties…were related to retained reflex patterns rather than simply weakness. As his TLR became more integrated, his posture, endurance, and movement quality improved…”* **These exceptional tools—and the knowledge of how to use them—bring measurable improvements in neuro-sensory-motor skills to help children reach functional goals.** ## What About Children Who Avoid Therapy? ***Have you noticed that many children today seem to have more intense challenges?*** Some of these sensitive children may be reluctant and difficult to engage. Avoidance is often rooted in sensory disorders, anxiety, trauma, compensation patterns, and fight-or-flight states—we can address all of these challenges with primitive reflex integration. With targeted, calming tools and a gentle approach we have achieved an excellent track-record for engaging children who are sensitive and avoidant—even those who typically refuse other activities. Having a doorway into the nervous system makes all the difference! ## Easy, Enjoyable Primitive Reflex Integration for Children ![Child-Friendly](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/Icons_for_Course_pages/AdultandChild.webp)### Child-Friendly Achieve success in primitive reflex integration with connection, play, and targeted tools. See the difference with this individualized approach. ![Evidence Based](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/Icons_for_Course_pages/EvideneBased2026.webp)### Evidence Based Research shows significant physical, behavioral, and cognitive improvements for children who engage in primitive reflex integration activities. ![Great Value ](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/Icons_for_Course_pages/BLUE_AffordableGoodValueRESIZED_solid.webp)### Great Value Get a huge variety of primitive reflex integration activities and the confidence to apply them for measurable outcomes—transformation is possible! ## Get Powerful Tools for Successful Outcomes The [Innate Rhythmic Movements](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=273&Itemid=514) are done passively or actively and have profound positive effects. These calming movements help to integrate primitive reflexes, mature sensory systems, and develop the neurological foundations for optimal functioning. Best of all, most children love these movements and often ask for them! The Brain Tune Up movements are super effective for stress release—in only 2 to 4 minutes they give both children and adults greater relaxation and the ability to focus. You also get modifications that work for young children and children with coordination challenges. TLR is the go-to reflex for challenges related to balance, coordination, stamina, core-strength, muscle tone, posture, visual-motor skills, and gravitational insecurity. In order for children to gain competence and confidence in their daily activities, integration of the [Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex](https://moveplaythrive.com/resources/primitive-and-postural-reflexes/tonic-labyrinthine-reflex) is essential. A [retained ATNR](https://moveplaythrive.com/resources/primitive-and-postural-reflexes/asymmetrical-tonic-neck-reflex) is associated with many sensory-motor, emotional, and academic challenges. With targeted ATNR tools, we can unlock stress and tension, and free the child’s ability to function more optimally in many arenas. The [Spinal Galant](https://moveplaythrive.com/resources/primitive-and-postural-reflexes/spinal-galant-reflex) helps to develop sensory processing and pelvic movement in infancy. When unintegrated it is associated with bedwetting, tactile sensitivities on the back, scoliosis, back pain, hyperactivity, fidgeting, and poor coordination. When the [Moro Reflex](https://moveplaythrive.com/resources/primitive-and-postural-reflexes/moro-reflex) is unintegrated, it is associated with anxiety, fight-or-flight states, irritability, behavior challenges, poor balance, SPD, and poor core strength. Integration of the Moro Reflex is essential for a child to feel a sense of safety and to develop proper sensory processing, basic motor skills, self-regulation, and social and emotional skills. STNR is usually unintegrated in children with ADHD, autism, or learning challenges. The [Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex](https://moveplaythrive.com/resources/primitive-and-postural-reflexes/symmetrical-tonic-neck-reflex) can be challenging to integrate, but we have a unique, strength-building system that makes the process much easier and prevents frustration before it happens. The developmental movements bring laughter and joy while providing deep benefits in neuro-sensory-motor maturity, core strength, and coordination. Everyone wins with these playful yet therapeutic movements. ## What Course Participants Say *“Very comprehensive for the 1-day course!”* *“Incredibly well organized...provided a great deal of useful information.”* *“It was very helpful to see the videos of each reflex, and the playful activities that went along with each one.”* *“I now have many more ideas of how to integrate different reflexes.”* *“Great practical applications and demo.”* *“I found all of the information useful from the ways unintegrated primitive reflexes negatively impact us... to how to help integrate them. The videos were very helpful in understanding the movements and exercises especially in the virtual format.”* *“The strategies provided are ready to use and are very practical.”* ## One Course, 42 Primitive Reflex Integration Activities **Check out the number of activities you get for each reflex!** ![Green graphic with white text: TLR 9](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Misc_Images/FFOF/Numbers_TLR.webp) ### Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex ![Orange graphic with white text: ATNR 10](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Misc_Images/FFOF/Numbers_ATNR.webp) ### Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex ![Green graphic with white text: SGR 8](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Misc_Images/FFOF/Numbers_Spinal_Galant.webp) ### Spinal Galant Reflex ![Orange graphic with white text: Moro 9](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Misc_Images/FFOF/Numbers_Moro.webp) ### Moro Reflex ![Teal graphic with white text: STNR 6](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Misc_Images/FFOF/Numbers_STNR.webp) ### Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex ## Meet Your Course Instructor ## ![photo of Sonia Story](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/sonia_portrait/sonia_portrait_SM.webp) Sonia Story, M.S. has been teaching neurodevelopmental movements since 2006. Sonia developed the Brain and Sensory Foundations curriculum and the Foundation for Optimal Function course to provide comprehensive training in neurodevelopmental movements—combining innate rhythmic movements, play, primitive reflexes, and postural reflexes. She earned a Bachelor's degree in biology/psychology and a Master’s degree in Movement Sciences. She is the author of [The Importance of Reflex Integration](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?Itemid=513) and the [Evidence eBook](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?Itemid=536 "Free 47 page Evidence eBook"), giving the rationale and evidence basis for using neurodevelopmental movements for helping with challenges such as ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorders, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, visual skill deficits, poor social skills, gross and fine motor delays and other neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders. Her work is featured in numerous podcasts, summits, and conferences, and in the books *Almost Autism: Recovering Children from Sensory Processing Disorder; Special Ed Mom Survival Guide; Family Health Revolution; and Same Journey, Different Paths—Stories of Auditory Processing Disorder.* Sonia’s mission is to help children and families experience the profound benefits of neurodevelopmental and integrative movements for more functional and fulfilling lives. [Read about Sonia's personal journey with reflex integration](https://moveplaythrive.com/#meet-sonia) [Get more information about Sonia's education and CV](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?Itemid=517 "About Sonia Story-Education and CV") **Instructor Disclosure:** Sonia Story, M.S. is the co-owner, developer, and instructor for Brain and Sensory Support Co. (dba/ Move Play Thrive) and receives compensation for conducting this course. She has no other relevant relationships to disclose. ## Continuing Education Information ## [Foundation for Optimal Function CEU Information](https://moveplaythrive.com/component/content/article/ceu-info-ffof?catid=94&Itemid=101) ![AOTA logo showing approval for OT professionals, continuing education course, Brain and Sensory Foundations](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Partner_Logos/AOTA-logo-2020.webp) **For OTs and OTAs in USA, 0.6 AOTA CEUs (6 Contact Hours).** Move Play Thrive is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. PD activity approval ID# 16436. This distance-learning, online activity is offered at 0.6 CEUs, introductory level, OT Service Delivery. AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures. ![Move Play Thrive logo showing approval for physical therapy professionals, continuing education course, Brain and Sensory Foundations](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Partner_Logos/MPT_PTceu_COLUMN.webp) **Approved for 6 CEUs for PTs and PTAs in most USA jurisdictions. [Go here for full CEU information for physical therapy professionals](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?Itemid=1173 "CEU information for PTs for the Foundation for Optimal Function course").** ![ASHA logo showing approval for Speech Language professionals, continuing education course, Brain and Sensory Foundations](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Partner_Logos/ABOX%20FFOF%20Brand%20Block%20Color%20Long1.webp) **6 Contact Hours, 0.6 ASHA CEUs.** To earn ASHA CEUs, you must choose between full attendance in the live, online course, or full attendance in the recorded, on-demand version of the course. ASHA CE Provider approval does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures. ![CEUPro logo showing approval for Physical therapists, nurses, and social workers, continuing education course, Foundation for Optimal Function, Pediatric Primitive Reflex Integration](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Partner_Logos/CEUPro%20logo.webp) **6 CEUs for Nurses in all 50 US states. 6 CEUs for Social Workers in [select states (view map)](https://ceupro.com/ "Go to CEU Pro to look up your state").** ## Foundation for Optimal Function Course Information ## [FFOF for Professional Development Day Course Information](https://moveplaythrive.com/component/content/article/ffof-for-professional-development-day-course-information?catid=125&Itemid=101) The live online Foundation for Optimal Function, Pediatric Primitive Reflex Integration course is an introductory in-service training that is appropriate for individuals who work with infants, children, and teens with neurodevelopmental challenges. The course gives instruction in assessment and integration of retained primitive reflexes, innate rhythmic movements, and developmental movements. Engaging, play-based innate and integrative movements are combined to promote brain and sensory-motor function and build the foundation for improved focus, regulation, learning, speech, emotional-social skills, physical balance, strength, stamina, and coordination. **Contact Hours: 6 (Continuing Education hours and CEUs may vary depending on profession and jurisdiction).** ### Course Objectives—Upon completion of this course Learners will be able to: - Recall a 4-Step Brain Tune up for calming - Recognize at least 3 ways to assess a client using innate rhythmic movements - Identify 3 principles important in applying innate rhythmic movements - Identify the stimulus and movement pattern for each of 5 key primitive and postural reflexes: - [Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=466&catid=101&Itemid=913 "Learn about TLR") - [Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=467&catid=101&Itemid=913 "Explore ATNR") - [Spinal Galant Reflex](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=471&catid=101&Itemid=913 "Understanding Spinal Galant") - [Moro Reflex](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=470&catid=101&Itemid=913 "Learn about Moro") - [Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=468&catid=101&Itemid=913 "What is STNR?") - Practice rhythmic movements and reflex integration protocols for addressing 5 key primitive reflexes, to mature the neuro-sensory-motor foundations for physical, social-emotional, and cognitive function. - Identify rhythmic movements and reflex integration protocols for promoting balance, coordination, postural control, self-regulation, attention, and learning. ### Requirements to Earn CEUs and/or Certificate of Completion 1. Read course handouts/slides. 2. Attend the full duration of the training. 3. Actively participate in movement labs during the training. 4. Complete an online end-of-course evaluation survey. 5. Complete a multiple-choice quiz with a score of 80% or higher. Learners completing the course will earn a certificate of course completion listing the course name, instructor, date, and hours. *Participants planning to earn CEUs for this course are responsible to verify whether this course meets the requirements of their licensing agencies.* ### Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites to attend this training. The Foundation for Optimal Function, Pediatric Primitive Reflex Integration course is approved for continuing education for professionals in: - Occupational therapy - Physical therapy (in select USA states) - Speech and language pathology - Audiology - Nursing - Social work (in select USA states) #### **Partial Credit: We do not award partial credit for this training course*.* --- ### Sample Agenda for Live, Online Training | 8:00-9:00 | Introduction to Primitive Reflexes & Innate Rhythmic Movements—Before and After Videos, Research, and Case Studies | |---|---| | 9:00-9:45 | Two Minute Brain Tune Up and modifications for children with challenges | | 9:45-10:00 | BREAK | | 10:00-11:00 | Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR) description, function, assessment and integration activities | | 11:00-12:00 | LUNCH BREAK | | 12:00-1:00 | Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) description, function, assessment and integration activities | | 1:00-1:45 | Spinal Galant Reflex description, function, assessment, and integration activities | | 1:45-2:00 | BREAK | | 2:00-2:30 | Moro Reflex description, function, assessment and integration activities | | 2:30-3:00 | Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) description, function, assessment and integration activities | | 3:00-3:30 | Q & A, Evaluation, Exam | ### Please bring the following items to the training: - Yoga mat or other type of mat or towel to practice movements on the floor - Water bottle - Large physio ball - Small ball (7 in) - Balloon - Two small stuffed animals ### Instructional Methods - Lecture - PowerPoint slides/handouts - Video demonstration - Experiential lab practice - Case study examples - Questions and answers (time permitting) --- ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): ### Foundation for Optimal Function, Pediatric Primitive Reflex Integration Course **Q. Are CEUs available for this course?** A. Yes. The Foundation for Optimal Function, Pediatric Primitive Reflex Integration course has been approved for CEUs for OT, PT (in select USA states), SLP, audiology, social work (in select USA states), and nursing professionals—6 contact hours. An end-of-course evaluation and quiz are required to earn a certificate and/or CEUs. *Participants are responsible to confirm that this course meets the requirements of their licensing board.* For questions about CEUs, [contact us.](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?Itemid=570 "Contact Us via Email") **Q. Are the activities in this course appropriate for children who are hypersensitive, medically fragile, have avoidance behaviors, or are unable to follow directions?** A. Yes! There are relaxing, enjoyable rhythmic movements in this training that can be applied passively for children with more severe challenges. Nearly all of the rhythmic movements and reflex activities can be modified to do them passively. Together with our gentle, individualized approach, these movements help to integrate primitive reflexes and boost maturity of the neuro-sensory-motor systems for global gains in functioning. **Q. My team already does primitive reflex integration. How will this course improve our practice?** A. This course gives you more than just primitive reflex integration activities. You also get many innate rhythmic movements, developmental movements, integrative movements for stress release, and playful activities that are easy to implement with children. The combination of these tools greatly enhances the effectiveness of the reflex integration. Plus, the five reflexes covered in the course each have multiple integrative activities for flexibility in working with diverse client profiles. **Q. We have already taken the Brain and Sensory Foundations course(s). Should we still take this course?** A. Yes. For each of the 5 primitive reflexes we cover in the Foundation for Optimal Function course, there will be at least one new activity that you will not have seen before in the First Level or Second Level Brain and Sensory Foundations courses. **Q. Do you have to be a therapist or healthcare provider to take this course?** A. No. This course is also for parents, caregivers, and educators. --- ### System Requirements - Internet connection is required; course is generally conducted via Zoom, though other platforms may be acceptable. - Browsers: Please use the latest version (or the one before that) of Firefox, Chrome, or a modern mobile browser. - Operating Systems: Please use the latest two versions of Windows or Mac. ### Cancellation and Refund Policy Cancellation and refund policies will be outlined in specific training agreement and professional development contract. ### Scope of Practice Statement 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. ### Disability Accommodations Please let us know if you need an accommodation to attend this training course. Though we cannot guarantee that we can fulfill every accommodation request, we will do our best. 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, course videos have a closed caption option, or you may request a written transcript from [support@moveplaythrive.com](mailto:support@moveplaythrive.com "Disability Accommodation Request"). ### Course Sponsor Move Play Thrive, PO Box 676, Chimacum, WA 98325. For questions [contact us](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?Itemid=570 "Contact form for Move Play Thrive"). ## Get Outcomes that Inspire, and Make Your Time with Children More Rewarding **5 Reasons to Take this Training** 1. The [vast majority of today’s children](https://moveplaythrive.com/resources/blog/research-and-evidence/kids-do-not-grow-out-of-deficits) have motor deficits related to retained (unintegrated) primitive reflexes. 2. [Kids do NOT grow out of deficits](https://moveplaythrive.com/resources/blog/research-and-evidence/kids-do-not-grow-out-of-deficits)—they need your help now for the best chance at a more optimal future. 3. [Research](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=188&Itemid=167) shows that retained primitive reflexes are associated with physical, emotional, and cognitive deficits—AND that primitive reflex integration is associated with gains in all of these areas. 4. Parents and professionals report better sleep, reduced pain, lower anxiety, and stress relief for themselves as well as children. 5. **Minimal time investment for maximum benefit**: In 6 hours you get a treasure trove of tools for effective primitive reflex integration. ![Image of Sonia Story, M.S. and a young girl doing neurodevelopmental movements on a red mat.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Misc_Images/FFOF/DMs_Cat%20sit_Sonia_RubySM1.webp) [Inquire Now](https://moveplaythrive.com/contact)