A reflex is an automatic, subconscious movement pattern that we are born with to help aid in survival and early development.

These primitive reflexes should naturally activate and then integrate (transform into mature motor patterns) as the child’s nervous system develops. When a reflex does not integrate, it can interfere with motor skills, emotional regulation, learning, and overall functioning. Reflex integration work helps the nervous system complete these patterns so the body can move and respond more efficiently, the way it was intended to do automatically.

There can be many causes including, but not limited to: 

Genetic conditions, physical conditions, acute/chronic illness, birth trauma, drug addicted infants, c-section, physical/mental abuse, and surviving a physical or mental trauma.  Reflexes may never fully mature from birth or can regress to a previous state of maturity at any age.

It involves the assessment of reflexes that need to be integrated.  Each person has different integration needs, and treatment is very specific to each person.  

It starts by providing a stimulus (applying pressure or tactile stroke) followed by moving the body through the pattern that would be expected for the stimuli, and the brain learns how to react to the stimuli the way it was meant to through reflex pathways. This work needs to be done routinely in order to strengthen the neural pathways, which leads to longer lasting results.

Autism, ADHD, Developmental Delays, Learning Disorders/Dyslexia, Sensory Processing Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Brain Injury/Post Concussion, Addiction, Other behavioral/emotional regulation conditions.