Primitive Reflex Integration Case Studies

Preschooler quickly shows significant decrease in meltdowns

This young boy had at least one outburst every day, which could last up to an hour and typically involved throwing items, including chairs. His OT began providing rhythmic movements and reflex integration activities from the Brain and Sensory Foundations course, and by their third weekly session there were substantial improvements in his emotional regulation: His family reported that outbursts had decreased from daily to just once per week!

Submitted by Taylor Spaulding, OTR/L

Rhett is a 5-year-old boy referred to occupational therapy due to oppositional defiant disorder. Caregiver reports concerns for behavior, defiant with instruction, very emotional. Mother reports this has been ongoing since 2-3 years old. He has physical outbursts of throwing things, knocking things off table, lifting chairs and throwing. He has not done this at the babysitter but does instigate other children there. The school reports difficulty with concentration but does not report these behaviors that occur at home. Mom reports her and Dad feel they are walking on egg shells around Rhett throughout the day in order to avoid an outburst. Rhett’s outbursts can last from 15 minutes to 60 minutes. He will throw, kick, slam things, etc. Mom reports he will eventually just stop and then go about his day but these can happen at least 1x/daily. Rhett’s primary behavior outbursts results in the evening when it is time to come in from outside.

After initial evaluation, it was determined Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) and Spinal Galant reflex were present. Rhett and parents were taught rhythmic movements to initiate and provided with some functional activities for the reflexes [from the Brain and Sensory Foundations course]. By week 2, mom reports only 2 outbursts and that they are completing the rhythmic movements 1, 2a, and 2b daily. By week 3, mom reports only 1 outburst during the week versus daily. Rhett continued to complete rhythmic movements and was instructed on functional activities for ATNR and Spinal Galant at home.

In session 4, the 5-Step Balance process [from the Brain and Sensory Foundations course] was completed. Rhett’s goal: “I listen easily and quickly to come inside from playing outside when mom or dad tell me.” We also worded it “Would you like to feel more comfortable in your body when mom or dad tell you to come inside?” During the session, Rhett participated but had a hard time focusing. Upon returning for session 5, mom did not report any outbursts with coming in from outside over the past week, but did report an outburst with going to the babysitter.

I plan to implement the 5-step balance again with Rhett in visit number 6. I may change the goal slightly to help with having a more comfortable body during transitions. He normally struggles with coming in from outside at the end of the day, but I want to help his body throughout his day with different transitions. So, I’m thinking if we change the goal slightly, then the 5-Step Balance will address different transitions. I also plan to continue to work on the Spinal Galant and ATNR reflex with Rhett as he continues to have some challenges with these movements. I learned that implementing the activities throughout functional activities has made it easier for Rhett to participate and keep his focus longer as well.

Rhett has attended 5 follow-up sessions 1x/weekly for 30 minutes each. We are going to continue with this schedule for 5 more sessions with focus on the reflexes and emotional control strategies and then reassess from there. I’m excited to keep implementing these strategies with Rhett to help him at home.

(Edited, emphasis added)