Integrating Primitive Reflexes: Strategies for Parents and Practitioners

Integrating Primitive Reflexes: Strategies for Parents and Practitioners

Primitive reflexes are early motor reflexes that develop in the womb and are typically integrated by the age of 2. However, research has shown that approximately 75% of school-aged children with learning challenges have retained primitive reflexes, which can profoundly affect their development and functioning. These reflexes are increasingly common and can impact a child’s coordination, balance, attention, and even academic performance: MORO, Tonic Labyrinthine Neck Reflex, Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex, Spinal Galant, and Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex.

This 3-hour course equips occupational therapists to screen for retained primitive reflexes and provides clear strategies for addressing them that will help to improve I/ADL independence in all settings. Parents and practitioners learn compensatory techniques and treatment approaches that help children integrate these reflexes, allowing for smoother motor development and improved daily functioning. Many demonstration videos are included to guide you through each reflex, making it an essential resource for pediatric- and school-based OTs supporting children with developmental delays.

Learning Outcomes

1. List the steps involved in recognizing retained primitive reflexes through informal screening tools, including symptom checklists and physical assessments.
2. State at least three strategies for adapting home, therapy, or educational activities to support children with retained primitive reflexes.
3. Identify the purpose of one targeted exercise for each retained reflex discussed during the training.
4. List at least three evidence-based programs, tools, or resources that promote primitive reflex integration, which can be implemented at home or in practice.

Course Information

• Target Audience: introductory-level OTs, COTAs, PTs, PTAs, and other professionals working with children with developmental delays
• Course Instructor:  Kim Wiggins, OTR/L
• View Agenda
• CE Broker course code: 20-1272891

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Sensational Brain LLC is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. PD activity ID# 11372. This distance-learning, independent format is offered at 0.3 CEUs, Intermediate Level, OT Service Delivery. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.

Kim Wiggins, OTR/L, is an experienced occupational therapist specializing in the treatment of children since 2001. She is a full-time therapist at a City School District in upstate New York, owner of www.OTKimWiggins.com, and has been a nationally known speaker since 2011. Kim is certified in Mobile Devices for Children with Disabilities, Puzzle Art Therapy, Handwriting Without Tears, Zaner Bloser, The Size Matters Handwriting Program, The Listening Program, and as an Irlen Screener. To view Kim’s courses, check out her product page.

Disclosures

• Financial: Kim Wiggins receives a speaking fee from Sensational Brain LLC and is the owner of OTKimWiggins LLC. Kim is an affiliate for these companies and receives a percentage of profits from her referrals for these webinars:
  • Double Time Docs (https://www.doubletimedocs.com): A Collaboration Sensation and Get It Done! OT documentation
  • Move Thrive Play (https://www.moveplaythrive.com): Primitive Reflexes
  • SpedNotes (a free program until August 2020, https://www.spednote.com/): Get It Done! OT documentation and Writing IEP Goals
• Nonfinancial: No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.

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