# Primitive Reflex Integration Case Studies

##  Boy with Autism and ADHD Gains Better Focus and Body Awareness in 6 Weeks

   July 22, 2024

## Program of rhythmic movements and primitive reflex integration improves proprioception, impulse control, and attention in the classroom.

This 8-year-old boy had poor body-spatial awareness, often tripping or accidentally running into people, and challenges paying attention. His OT provided rhythmic movements and reflex integration from the [Brain and Sensory Foundations course](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?Itemid=362 "CEU course in primitive reflex integration and neurodevelopmental movements"), and in 6 weeks saw improvements in all areas. He also started self-advocating and letting adults know when he needed regulation support!

Submitted by Danielle Hicken, OTR/L

![Happy boy in school hallway. Text: 8 year old learns to self-advocate and ask for movements.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_DaHi_ANON.webp)

 | Before | After |
|---|---|
| Challenges self-regulating | Advocating for himself to his teacher and BCBA to express when he needs calming movements or a hug |
| Challenges paying attention in class; often getting out of his seat to walk around | Attention in the classroom is improving |
| Poor spatial and body awareness; often accidentally running into classmates | Running into his peers less |

Client is an 8-year-old boy with Autism and ADHD diagnoses. His challenges include spatial awareness, body awareness, balance, impulse control, and attention in the classroom. He often runs into classmates accidentally, trips/falls, and gets out of his seat to walk around.

Client demonstrated active Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex, Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex, Fear Paralysis Reflex, Moro, and Spinal Galant. I started with passive Rhythmic Movements \[from the [Brain and Sensory Foundations course](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?Itemid=362 "In-depth, comprehensive, primitive reflex integration CEU course")\] because I knew that starting here would indirectly establish a solid foundation for reflex integration as well as help with integrating FPR and Moro. When we started with RM #1, the client immediately became stiff and developed a flushed face. These signs told me to stop (after approximately 5 seconds). We engaged in \[movements\] in supine, which he enjoys and which I knew would help him regulate. He was able to tolerate RM 2, 3, and 4 without discomfort. I asked mom to start completing RM 2, 3, and 4 at home–**she came back the next week reporting that these caused him to fall asleep within 5 minutes**. After a couple weeks, we slowly re-introduced RM 1 which resulted in decreased tension and facial flushing. I also used the Brain Tune up to help with focus in the classroom and consulted with his teacher to ensure correct implementation.

For 6 weeks, he came to weekly sessions, his teacher used the Brain Tune up \[from the [Brain and Sensory Foundations course](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?Itemid=362 "Primitive reflex integration, top-rated CEU course")\] and his classroom BCBA was able to pull him out and perform rhythmic movements. Mom continued to complete the rhythmic movements at home before bed.

**By the end of the 6 weeks, the client was advocating for himself to his teacher and BCBA, telling them when he needed exercises or a big hug! His teacher reported that his attention in the classroom was improving, and he was running into his peers less.** His mom said I should use their example as encouragement for all families to be consistent with their exercises.

I learned that you’re never too young to learn to self-advocate, and that progress can happen quickly with consistency and carryover!

(Edited, emphasis added)

- [ Autism ](https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/autism-case-studies)
- [ Gross Motor Skills ](https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/gross-motor-skills)
- [ Social-Emotional Regulation ](https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/social-emotional-regulation)
- [ From Occupational Therapy Professionals: ](https://moveplaythrive.com/component/tags/tag/case-studies-from-ots)
- [ ADHD & ADD ](https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/adhd-and-add)
- [ Behavior ](https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/behavior)