Rhythmic movements and primitive reflex integration help with academics, improve confidence
This mom was volunteering in her daughter's class and noticed how tired and "spaced out" she seemed. Her concerns brought her to the Brain and Sensory Foundations course, where she gained tools to help with her daughter's focus. The result? Improved reading, spelling, and math skills. In addition, her daughter is feeling less shy—interacting with new people and trying new activities more readily.
Submitted by DL, mother
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| Struggled with reading, spelling, and math | No longer needs math IEP |
| Was extremely shy | Interacts with strangers with confidence; even participated in a school talent show! |
The original reason I became interested in infant reflexes was because of my daughter who is 12 years of age and just finished grade 6. One day when I volunteered in her class in the afternoon I noticed how tired and “spaced out” she looked beside the other children. Her doctor wanted to diagnose her ADD and had me ask her teacher to fill out a questionnaire about her [behavior] in school.
She struggled with reading, spelling and math and was eventually put on an Individual Education Plan for math which meant special allowances and work at the level where she was at. We had her hearing checked at a specialist for Auditory Processing and found she had delays there. We also took her to an optometrist that had a side business of Visual Therapy. It was during his consultation that I heard the word “Moro reflex” for the first time and he had her do the pigeon walk in his office to show me how she struggled with it. Unfortunately, we could not afford the very expensive therapy he was offering for her. I figured that I could look online and learn some more on my own.
I found your [Brain and Sensory Foundations course] online and I immediately started doing the rhythmic movements with her at bedtime. It was the most convenient and often helped her settle her mind down for sleep. This became her request every night before bed ... often hurrying to get ready so there would be time to do them. This made it easy to do. I did notice at the beginning that sometimes the next day she would over react to small things and seem melt down. This happened only a few times though.
From my observations I believe that she has/had about 7 retained reflexes. Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex, Symmetrical Tonic Reflex, Asymmetrical Tonic neck Reflex, Fear Paralysis Reflex, Spinal Galant Reflex, and Head Righting Reflex.
It seemed overwhelming and hard to know where to start. I began doing them as I learned them and have noticed a great improvement when I check to see if it is still retained.
"As she progresses I see her ready and willing to embrace so much more in her life."
She has always been EXTREMELY shy but now speaks to strangers with confidence. Also, for the first time in her 7 years at her elementary school she finally participated in the talent show! I was SO surprised when she told me that she had auditioned for it. I made sure I could be there to witness this huge milestone!
"The GREATEST result from all of this was she was taken off her IEP (Individual Program Plan) this past spring after three years!"
I credit the use of these movements and exercises as well as an awesome teacher! She received the most improved student of the year award!
[Edited for length and clarity; emphasis added]