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RI - Reflex Integration
 | What are reflexes?
Reflexes are present in a child from the moment of birth to help him/her to adapt to the environment and to develop his mental ability.These inborn reflexes are motor movements designed by nature for effective functioning of the body, its protection and survival.This development of motor movement is important in infancy as it affects the development of the brain, its intellectual processes, physical and emotional stability in the future life of a person. |
What happens when there is a delay in development or there is no integration of reflexes? You will notice - delay in gross and fine motor coordination skills
- communication, development and learning challenges
- impulsive reactions
- difficulties in cognitive processing
- inattentiveness, hyperactivity
- behavioural disorders
- anxiety, unwillingness to participate in new situations
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photo taken by Etienne Dessaut |
Reflex Integration is adapted from the work of Sally Goddard's Primitive and Postural Reflexes, Renate Wenneke's Integration of Early Childhood Reflexes and Movement Development, and Svetlana Mastugova's Neuro-Sensory Motor development. The basis of Reflex work is to restore integration for optimal functioning, development and learning. This therapy is especially helpful for children to minimise - learning challenges
- hyperactivity
- hearing and speech problems
- dyslexia
- autism
- cerebral palsy
- motor coordination problems
- fears and emotional insecurities
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What happens in a session?
The therapist will assess which reflexes are not integrated and will then work with the child and parent in facilitating the integration of reflexes. These exercises will have to be continued by the parent/caregiver 3 – 4 times a week at home. There is also an option to combine CranioSacral work during the session. References: - Goddard, S. (2002).Reflexes, Learning and Behaviour: A Window Into the Child's Mind. Fern Ridge Press, Oregon, USA.
- Wennekes, R. & Stiller, A.(2008). Developmental Kinesiology:Integration of EarlyChildhood Movement Development. IKL Damme, Germany.
- Mastugova, S. & Akhmatova, N.(2007). Integration of Infant Dynamic and Postural Reflex Patterns: Masgutova Neuro-Sensory-Motor and Reflex Integration Method. Educational Institute of Neuro-Sensory-Motor and Reflex Integration, USA.
- Kranowitz, C.S. (1998).The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognising and Coping with Sensory Integration Dysfunction. New York, The Berkeley Publishing Group.
- Ayres, J. (1972). Sensory Integration and Learning Disorders. California, Western Psychological Services
  with Renate Wennekes with Dr Masgutova
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Reflexes 
