# Neurodevelopmental Movements: Foundation for Optimal Function

![Row of people jumping off the top of a sand dune on a sunny day](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/Blog_Categories_Articles/Jumpforjoy.webp)

The innate [neurodevelopmental movements](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=305&catid=21&Itemid=571 "Learn about neurodevelopmental movements") are an example of the intelligence inherent in human development—they are a true wonder because of their power to transform the brain, body, and sensory systems. Whether the neurodevelopmental movements are driving the brain development of an infant, helping a stroke patient recover, turning around ADHD, or resolving learning challenges in a child, their capacity to calm and mature the neuro-sensory-motor systems is unmatched. Discover how neurodevelopmental movements impact physical, social-emotional, and cognitive skills, and why they are essential to human functioning.

 [ ![List of conditions that can be addressed using primitive reflex integration. Text: Anxiety, Developmental Delay, Motions sickness, Handwriting, Learnin Challenges, ADHD, Hyperactivity, Depression, Bedwetting, Baldder & Bowel, etc.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Misc_Images/Misc_Insight_Images/Cover%20Images/SensoryReflexes21.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/resources/blog/neurodevelopmental-movements-foundation-for-optimal-function/sensory-or-reflexes-two-sides-of-the-same-issue)

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 ##  [ Sensory or Reflexes? Two Sides of the Same Issue ](https://moveplaythrive.com/resources/blog/neurodevelopmental-movements-foundation-for-optimal-function/sensory-or-reflexes-two-sides-of-the-same-issue)

   February 11, 2026

- [ Sensory Processing and SPD ](https://moveplaythrive.com/resources/blog/posts-by-tag/sensory-processing-and-spd-blog)
- [ Rhythmic Movements ](https://moveplaythrive.com/resources/blog/posts-by-tag/rhythmic-movements-blog)
- [ First Level course ](https://moveplaythrive.com/resources/blog/posts-by-tag/first-level-course-blog)

## How Primitive Reflex Integration Improves Sensory Processing

*Primitive reflexes and sensory processing are intertwined in our neurology and development. Because these systems affect each other, reflex integration can be used to achieve positive outcomes for many sensory-based conditions.*

 [ Read more: Sensory or Reflexes? Two Sides of the Same Issue ](https://moveplaythrive.com/resources/blog/neurodevelopmental-movements-foundation-for-optimal-function/sensory-or-reflexes-two-sides-of-the-same-issue)

 [ ![Baby laying on the floor in prone with head and chest raised, looking into the distance](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Misc_Images/Misc_Insight_Images/Cover%20Images/COVER_Tummy.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/resources/blog/neurodevelopmental-movements-foundation-for-optimal-function/rethinking-tummy-time-2)

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 ##  [ Rethinking Tummy Time ](https://moveplaythrive.com/resources/blog/neurodevelopmental-movements-foundation-for-optimal-function/rethinking-tummy-time-2)

   July 17, 2025

- [ Sensory Processing and SPD ](https://moveplaythrive.com/resources/blog/posts-by-tag/sensory-processing-and-spd-blog)
- [ Rhythmic Movements ](https://moveplaythrive.com/resources/blog/posts-by-tag/rhythmic-movements-blog)
- [ Early Intervention ](https://moveplaythrive.com/resources/blog/posts-by-tag/early-intervention-blog)

## Helping Children Thrive by Expanding Prone Time Possibilities

*Babies need to spend adequate time on their bellies to develop fully. Though most agree with this statement, babies today may not be receiving nearly enough time in prone to develop optimally. How much time should infants spend on their bellies?*

 [ Read more: Rethinking Tummy Time ](https://moveplaythrive.com/resources/blog/neurodevelopmental-movements-foundation-for-optimal-function/rethinking-tummy-time-2)

 [ ![Baby on all fours on the kitchen floor preparing to crawl](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Misc_Images/Misc_Insight_Images/Cover%20Images/COVER_Crawling.webp) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/resources/blog/neurodevelopmental-movements-foundation-for-optimal-function/crawling-a-milestone-worth-meeting)

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 ##  [ Crawling: A Milestone Worth Meeting ](https://moveplaythrive.com/resources/blog/neurodevelopmental-movements-foundation-for-optimal-function/crawling-a-milestone-worth-meeting)

   May 30, 2025

- [ Rhythmic Movements ](https://moveplaythrive.com/resources/blog/posts-by-tag/rhythmic-movements-blog)
- [ Early Intervention ](https://moveplaythrive.com/resources/blog/posts-by-tag/early-intervention-blog)
- [ First Level course ](https://moveplaythrive.com/resources/blog/posts-by-tag/first-level-course-blog)

## Benefits and Shortcomings of Crawling Programs—3 Recommendations to Support Optimal Crawling

*Many parents and professionals are aware of the important role crawling plays in development. But when a child lacks a strong neurodevelopmental foundation, are crawling programs helpful or not?*

 [ Read more: Crawling: A Milestone Worth Meeting ](https://moveplaythrive.com/resources/blog/neurodevelopmental-movements-foundation-for-optimal-function/crawling-a-milestone-worth-meeting)