Earn 18 CEUs for First Level
13 CEUs for Second LevelNearly every human skill and functional activity depends on the foundations laid down in infancy via the neurodevelopmental movements. For example, sucking and rooting are infant primitive reflex movements directly related to the function of the mouth. Another lesser-known example is the set of infant rhythmic movements which help to develop the brainstem. A well-developed brainstem controls muscle tone, which then helps with the overall function of the muscles—including muscles of the mouth and tongue. The rhythmic movements also provide stimulation to mature the cerebellum, which among other things, is involved in coordinating mouth movements. Marge Foran is an expert dental hygienist and myofunctional therapist, who recognizes the connection between neurodevelopmental movements and myofunctional therapy:
"It is important to understand how retained primitive reflexes can impact the fine motor skills required for the functions of the orofacial muscles. I highly recommend the Brain and Sensory Foundation courses for those providing orofacial myofunctional therapy."
Marge Foran, BA, RDH, COM
More connections between neurodevelopmental movements and mouth and tongue function
Have you ever seen children (or adults) move their mouth or tongue while doing fine-motor tasks such as writing or using scissors? These overflow movements of the hands (and sometimes the feet) are connected to mouth movements in infancy. This tendency is supposed to go away after the toddler stage, but if it lingers, it is a sign of neuro-sensory-motor immaturity. Another sign of immaturity is excessive drooling, which is often helped by integration of the hand reflexes! Here is one example. And here is another example.
Check out the case studies here and see how innate rhythmic movements and reflex integration can help to greatly reduce or eliminate compulsive chewing, mouthing, and oral sensory seeking.
In addition to impulsivity, meltdowns, and difficulties following directions, this little boy would compulsively chew blinds, curtains, and toys. Rhythmic movements and primitive reflex integration made a huge difference for him and he now rarely chews non-food items.
This little boy often chewed his clothing, and had extreme difficulty sitting still. After four weeks of rhythmic movements and primitive reflex integration, he is no longer constantly moving, and throwing, hitting, and mouthing have been reduced.
For this little boy, oral sensory seeking had him grabbing hair and string from the floor to put in his mouth. In addition, he sucked his thumb. After two months of rhythmic movements and primitive reflex integration, he had a breakthrough and his oral sensory seeking completely stopped. He also had drastic improvement in his fine motor skills.
Sonia Story, MS has been teaching neurodevelopmental movements since 2006.
She is an honors graduate with a Bachelor's degree in biology/psychology and a Master’s degree in Movement Sciences.
Sonia developed the Brain and Sensory Foundations program to provide comprehensive training in neurodevelopmental movements—combining innate rhythmic movements, play, primitive reflexes, and postural reflexes.
She is the author of The Importance of Reflex Integration and the Evidence eBook, giving the rationale and evidence basis for using neurodevelopmental movements for helping with challenges such as ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorders, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, visual skill deficits, poor social skills, gross and fine motor delays and other neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders.
Her work is featured in numerous podcasts, summits, and conferences, and in the books Almost Autism: Recovering Children from Sensory Processing Disorder; Special Ed Mom Survival Guide; Family Health Revolution; and Same Journey, Different Paths—Stories of Auditory Processing Disorder.
Sonia’s mission is to help children and families experience the profound benefits of neurodevelopmental and integrative movements for more functional and fulfilling lives.