Primitive Reflex Integration Case Studies
8-Year-Old Achieves Ball Skills After Reflex Integration
Neurodevelopmental movements improve coordination and emotional regulation
This child with motor planning and sensory processing challenges wanted to be able to reliably catch a ball. Using neurodevelopmental movements and the 5-Step Balance Process from the Brain and Sensory Foundations, First Level course, his OT helped him reach his goal—and made playing more enjoyable.
Submitted by Amber Kerfeld, Occupational Therapist
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| Unable to catch a playground ball; startle response and difficulties with visual attention and bilateral coordination | Able to catch a 6-inch playground ball up to six consecutive times |
| Initially had difficulties with the motor planning required for reflex integration exercises | Now able to perform reflex integration exercises independently |
| Emotional regulation challenges | Improved emotional regulation |
Johnny is an 8-year-old child who was seen for occupational therapy related to sensory processing and motor coordination difficulties. He was seen over the course of 12 weeks. Treatment sessions initially started by addressing emotional regulation difficulties utilizing interoception strategies to identify and understand his emotion. During this time, we also incorporated rhythmic movements [from the Brain and Sensory Foundations course] for providing a foundation tool to address higher level emotional regulation and motor coordination skills.
Over the course of one month, Johnny demonstrated improved emotional regulation with parent consistently utilizing rhythmic movement strategies at least once per day to support overall regulation. We next progressed to address motor coordination deficits. During this time, Johnny was noted to have retained reflex patterns for Moro, ATNR [Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex], and Spinal Galant. We addressed these retained reflex patterns through isometric exercises and playful integration strategies [from the Brain and Sensory Foundations course] in the clinic and at home. Johnny was noted to have initial difficulties with motor planning needed for reflex integration exercises but progressed to independence in performing following cueing and practice.
One of the main goals that was addressed during treatment sessions was the ability to catch a 6-inch playground ball. Johnny was noted to have a startle response to the visual input of catching a ball as well as difficulties with visual attention and bilateral coordination. During treatment sessions, we utilized the 5-Step Balance Process [from the Brain and Sensory Foundations course] to improve his goal of being able to catch a ball. Throughout this process we acted out the goal as well as engaged in reflex stimulation and integration exercises for the Moro, ATNR, and Spinal Galant reflexes.
By the final treatment sessions, Johnny was able to catch a 6-inch playground ball up to six consecutive times. I was impressed during my time working with Johnny the quick response and progress he had to utilizing rhythmic movements and reflex integration approaches to meet his goals. I was happy to have the tools to address these areas and make meaningful changes into his ability to play and keep up with his peers.
(Edited, emphasis added)
*Disclaimer: The activities in the Brain and Sensory Foundations curriculum make use of the natural processes of neuroplasticity and development that are innately wired in the design of human beings to promote maturity and function. These activities appear to calm, organize, and mature the neuro-sensory-motor systems just as we see in the healthy development of human infants. Individual results may vary, and we do not claim to offer a diagnosis or cure for any specific condition or disorder. The Brain and Sensory Foundations activities appear to improve overall functioning resulting in measurable improvements for a range of conditions as demonstrated in over 1800 case studies from participants.