Greetings,

One of the joys of spending time with children is observing their quirky habits.
Whether it's a funny turn of phrase, or a unique mannerism, children show us
their individuality in countless ways, and it is beautiful to witness. Sometimes
though, what may seem like just a mannerism is actually an indicator of a
developmental challenge.

Have you ever wondered why some children sit with their legs folded backward
in a "W" position? Or, why a tense pencil grip is so common? When viewed
through the lens of development, it becomes clear that these and other
indicators (such as toe-walking, oral-motor fixations, hypersensitivities, fidgeting,
etc.) are the result of the brain and body compensating for incomplete
development and/or retained primitive reflexes. 

Because development is progressive, when early skills are not fully developed,
compensations often take hold. For example, a child with a retained Tonic
Labyrinthine Reflex will likely experience poor core strength and balance issues
and may have a tendency to "W" sit.