Sensory Project Slides - Move Play Thrive

www.moveplaythrive.com©2020SoniaStory

InnateNeurodevelopmentalMovementstoHelpChildrenwithChallenges

Presented by Sonia Story

Welcome Sensory Project Podcast


Sonia Story Background

¥  Participatedinover50coursesinreflexintegrationandinnaterhythmicmovement,developmentalmovement,andintegrativemovementfromworld-renownmentors:JonBredal,HaraldBlomberg,MoiraDempsey,BonnieBainbridgeCohen,SvetlanaMasgutova,BillHubert.

¥  Teachingintegrativeandneurdevelopmentalmovementsince2006;PrivatePractice:NeurodevelopmentalMovement,allages,withamainfocusonschool-agechildren.

¥  EarnedinstructorlevelcertificationswithRhythmicMovementTrainingInternational™andBrainGym®

¥  Authorofwhitepaperwithsupportingevidence,relevance,andrationaleforOccupationalTherapypracticeandPhysicalTherapypractice.

¥  Traininginmanyothermovementmodalitiesplus:NurturedHeartApproach,Non-Violentcommunication,Orthobionomy,TouchforHealth,andHannaSomatics

¥  BachelorofScience,PsychologyandBiology


What are Neurodevelopmental Movements? Innatemovementsofwombandinfancy—rhythmic,reflex,anddevelopmental

These are REQUIRED, not optional to:

¥  Roll, crawl, stand, walk, and run with ease and alignment

¥  Develop sensory processing

¥  Develop brain & body maturity

¥  Ability to speak and learn with ease

¥  Develop emotional and cognitive skills

¥  Have upright posture, strength, and stamina


Posture • Core strength • Balance • Muscle development • Sensory development Focus • Speech • Social-emotional skills • Brain maturity

They are all inter-related and all depend on infant movements.

*Photos from Kathleen Porter, author of Healthy Posture for Babies and Children www.kathleenporter.com


Posture • Core strength • Balance • Muscle development • Sensory development Focus • Speech • Social-emotional skills • Brain maturity • Learning

They are all inter-related and all depend on infant movements.

Compromised Baby Healthy Baby PhotofromKathleenPorter,authorofHealthyPosturefor

BabiesandChildren.kathleenporter.com*Flanagan,J.E.,Landa,R.,Bhat,A.,&Bauman,M.(2012).Headlagininfantsatriskforautism:Apreliminarystudy.AmericanJournalofOccupationalTherapy,66(5),577-585.DOI:10.5014/ajot.2012.004192

“Head lag was significantly associated with autism spectrum disorder at 36 [months]”*


Innate Neurodevelopmental Movements Train the Brain for Functional Gain

Help for:

¥  SensoryProcessing

¥  Anxiety

¥  Alignment,posture

¥  Balance,movement,coordination

¥  Focus,attention

¥  Stressrelease

¥  Traumahealing

¥  Sleep

¥  Rehabilitation/orthopedic

¥  ADD/ADHD

¥  Autism

¥  Vision

¥  Strength,Stamina

¥  SpeechandLanguage

¥  Learningchallenges

¥  Stroke,TBI,Parkinson’s

¥  ElderlyIssues

¥  Mental-EmotionalHealth


Description of an Innate Rhythmic Movement More on innate rhythmic movements in slides below

¥  Spontaneous innate rhythmic movements

¥  Part of a repertoire of movements that infants automatically do as part of a development

¥  Provide calming, brain maturity—brainstem, cerebellum, basil ganglia—and support for reflex integration

¥  Sucking, rocking on hands and knees, and crawling, are examples of an innate movements with rhythmic qualities


Description of an Innate Primitive Reflex

¥  Automatic movement pattern in response to a specific sensory stimulus

¥  Primitive reflexes help with survival, protection, sensory integration, brain growth & development

¥  Grasp reflex is an example


Life Cycle of a Primitive Reflex

¥  Primitive infant reflexes are designed to ▪  Emerge ▪  Repeat until integrated (jobs are complete) ▪  Become dormant—inhibited by higher brain centers

•  Dormant means: no longer triggered by the initial stimulus—

•  When this process is hindered, primitive reflexes are described as “persistent”, “retained” or unintegrated

Innate infant reflexes have long been used as signs for determining the health or dysfunction of the central nervous system (CNS). (Fiorentino, M., 1973)


Infant Rhythmic and Reflex Movements Have Jobs ¥  Brain and Nerves—reflexes develop the brain and nerve networks to

“link up” the brainstem with mid-brain and neocortex. ¥  Senses—reflexes provide stimulation necessary for development of

Tactile, Vestibular, Proprioceptive, Visual and Auditory Processing ¥  Balance and Posture—ability to be upright, free of tension. ¥  Muscle Tone, Muscle Strength, Stamina ¥  Movement and Motivation—develop volitional movement with

coordination. Relates to motivation & moving forward to attain goals. ¥  Emotional and Social Skills—learning to manage the emotions, control

impulses and get along with others ¥  Learning Skills—reflexes develop the foundation for learning skills.


Possible Challenges when reflexes remain unintegrated

¥  Sensory Processing Disorders ¥  Learning, social-emotional, and behavioral challenges ¥  Keeps the “survival brain” (brainstem) active—child is more likely to have

impulse control issues and emotional reactivity issues. ¥  Nervous system is immature and in a ‘raw’, vulnerable state ¥  “Fight or Flight” response is triggered leading to chronic stress, health challenges ¥  Body parts do not move independently—brainstem “static” ¥  Muscle aches and tension, fatigue—too much effort to move, do tasks—hinders

learning. ¥  Lack of solid neuro-sensory-motor-vestibular foundation—prevents brain from

maturing properly www.moveplaythrive.com©2020SoniaStory

Delays in primitive reflex integration could result in:

“…decreased segmentation of the trunk, decreased isolation of movement, decreased rotation component in any action, postural insecurity, decreased ability to develop anti-gravity muscles, increased synergy patterns (mass movement patterns) and increased dependence on environmental stimulation for changes in posture. One of the main goals of multisensory theory of neurorehabilitation is to integrate primitive reflexes while facilitating higher-level responses.” (Farber, S., 1982; emphasis added)


When innate reflexes persist and remain unintegrated, motor and sensory challenges are common.

¥  Gieysztor EZ, Choińska AM, Paprocka-Borowicz M. Persistence of primitive reflexes and associated motor problems in healthy preschool children. Arch Med Sci. 2018 Jan;14(1):167-173. doi: 10.5114/aoms.2016.60503. Epub 2016 Jun 13. PMID: 29379547; PMCID: PMC5778413


Pecuch, A., Gieysztor, E., Telenga, M., Wolańska, E., Kowal, M., and Paprocka-Borowicz, M., (2020) Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(21), 8210; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17218210 - 06 Nov 2020

Primitive Reflex Activity in Relation to the Sensory Profile in Healthy Preschool Children


¥  “Therapeutic interventions ideally should build on core principles of neurodevelopment.”

¥  Elizabeth Torres and Caroline Whyatt, Editors

¥  CRC Press, October 2017, Series, Frontiers in Neuroscience

Autism: the Movement-Sensing Perspective


¥  MotorDeficitsinChildrenwithAutismSpectrumDisorder:Across-syndromestudy

¥  MartinMcPhillips,JenniferFinlay,SusanneBejerot,MaryHanley

¥  AutismRes.2014Dec;7(6):664-76.doi:10.1002/aur.1408.Epub2014Sep24.

Research: Motor Deficits in ASD linked to Specific-Language and Social Impairment


ADHD and ASD symptoms are associated with:

¥  Sensory-motor challenges

¥  Brain immaturity

¥  Retained primitive reflexes

¥  Learning challenges

¥  Anxiety


Harald Blomberg, MD—Insights ADD/ADHD Symptoms are similar to normal toddler behavior,

and stem from brain immaturity

¥  Inattention

▪  Troublekeepingattention▪  Oftendoesnotseemtolistenorfollow

directions

▪  Troubleorganizingactivities▪  Easilydistracted,forgetful

¥  Hyperactivity

▪  Fidgetsorsquirms

▪  Unabletoeasilysitstill▪  “onthego”,asifdrivenbyamotor

▪  Oftentalksexcessively

¥  Impulsivity

▪  Blurtsoutanswersbeforequestionisfinished

▪  Troublewaitingone’sturn▪  Ofteninterruptsorintrudesonothers

activities

ADD/ADHDisfundamentallyalackofbrainmaturity.Seearticleforresearchreferences:https://www.moveplaythrive.com/learn-more/item/can-adhd-be-dissolved


Dr. Blomberg’s experience with innate rhythmic and primitive and postural reflex movements

for ADHD symptoms

¥  Dr. Blomberg, a psychiatrist, recommends innate infant movements to increase brain maturity and help overcome ADHD symptoms. (Blomberg, H., and Dempsey, M., Movements That Heal, 2011).



Evidence Based Practice and Case Study Reports

Evidence-BasedPracticecriticallyassessesresearchtoinforminterventionandcare.ByconscientiouslyapplyingtheprinciplesofEvidence-BasedPractice,weoptimizetherapeuticsuccess.Itisprudenttobalanceourknowledgeofsciencewithreal-lifeexperienceandobservablephenomenasuchaswhatisofferedthroughcasestudies,especiallyininstanceswherethecasestudiesareverynumerousandconsistentintheiroutcomes.


Innate reflex movements are effective to increase sensorimotor and cognitive function in children with ADHD. MelilloRobert,LeismanGerry,MualemRaed,OrnaiAlon,CarmeliEli(2020),PersistentChildhoodPrimitiveReflexReductionEffectsonCognitive,Sensorimotor,andAcademicPerformanceinADHDFrontiersinPublicHealth,VOLUME82020,PAGES684DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2020.431835


¥  x

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Help for Behavior Issues OTisamazedatchangesin6weeks

Ihadoneofmypatientsbegindoingtherhythmicmovements[fromtheOnlineBrainandSensoryFoundationscourse]6weeksago.Thischildis8yearsoldandattendsaspecialschoolforemotionallyandbehaviorallychallengedchildrenthatcan'tattendregularpubliceducation.Whenhegetsfrustratedatschool,ittypicallyresultsinamajormeltdownwithhitting,throwingdesksandchairs,andyelling.Hehashad4-5adultsholdinghimdownonthefloorattimes.ThisboyhasnothadhardlyanybehaviororemotionaloutburstslikeIdescribedsincehehasstarteddoingtherhythmicmovementsathomeoratschool.Hehasalreadymadegreatgainswithbalance,coordination,sensoryprocessing,impulsecontrol,andfrustrationtoleranceandithasonlybeen6weeks.Amazing!!


Moro Reflex Hidden Key to Sensory Challenges

▪  Startle reflex, brainstem ▪  Begins in Utero ▪  Continues after birth ▪  Alerts Caregiver ▪  Arouses survival mechanisms ▪  Fight or Flight response ▪  Increases adrenaline, cortisol ▪  Should be integrated by 4 mo. Is

reactivated with trauma, illness, injury ▪  Lack of integration = many challenges

in functioning


▪  Sensory processing challenges ▪  Poor impulse control ▪  Poor focus, learning challenges ▪  Poor digestion ▪  Sleep challenges ▪  Speech challenges ▪  Inability to be still ▪  Anxiety/Depression ▪  Emotional-Social challenges ▪  Lack of core strength/weak muscles ▪  Individual in constant “fight or flight” state

When Moro reflex is retained


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Case Study: Finn AmazingTurnaroundin9months,TerranDaily,OT

Withinaboutamonth,Finnwasabletotoleratethebuzzcutteronhisentirehead,buthewasstillafraidofthevacuumcleaner.Momcontinuedwithrhythmicmovementoverthesummer,andwerecentlyaddedintegrationofthefearparalysisandMororeflexes.Nowlook—Finnistheonevacuuming!

Finnwascompletelydependentindressing.Nowhecandresshimself,apartfromsomeclosures.

Whenwestarted,Finnwasunabletoisolatefingermovementsandheldhispencilinadaggergrasp.Nowhecantoucheachfingertiptohisthumb,andheholdshispencilinagoodtripodgrasp.

InJanuary,hecouldsitincircletimeabout30secondsbeforehebeganthrowingthingsandcrawlingovertheotherchildren.Hecannowusuallyparticipatemeaningfullyingroupactivitiesfor30-40minutes,takingturns,followinginstructionsandrespectingotherchildren’sspace.


Reflex Integration Improves Reading and Writing

McPhillips, M., Hepper, P., & Mulhern, G. (2000) Effects of replicating primary-reflex movements on specific reading difficulties in children. Lancet: 355 (9203), 537–41, 2000.

•  Randomized •  Double Blind •  Placebo Controlled Experimental group that received ATNR movements made significant gains in reading skills and writing speed over the control group.

doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(99)02179-0


Neurodevelopmental Movement Calms, Organizes & Matures, Brain and Sensory Systems

BeforeandAfter—studentofNinaGallweySiskiyouSchool,AshlandOregon


Case study: Results from November to April (6 months) doing once a week OT sessions of 30 minutes, excluding school breaks—no parent involvement

Using innate rhythmic movements, and reflex integration movements

Slide courtesy of Steven Kane, school-based OT


Students with reading disability have persistent primitive reflexes. Movement program improves reading fluency, balance,

oculomotilities, and reduces headaches

WahlbergT,IrelandD.CanReplicatingPrimaryReflexMovementsImproveReadingAbility?OptomVisDev2005;36(2):89-91


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Help for Learning Boy in 5th Grade finally gets foundations for reading

OurfamilyhasspentcountlesshoursanddollarstryingtohelpJackwithhisreading,butnothingmadeanoticeabledifference.Iamreallyamazedathowwellthesemovements(fromtheBrainandSensoryFoundationscourse]arehelpingmysonJackwithreading.

Hetoldmelastnightthatthemovementshavehelpedhimmorewithhisreadingthanalloftheactualreadingworkwehavedoneathomesincefirstgrade.

ItoldhimthatIprayedtoGodthatIwouldfindsomewaytohelphimandhourslaterIlistenedtoyourinterviewandIknewthatGodwasdirectingme.”Jennifer,Jack’smom


Importance of Rhythm

¥  Rhythm is fundamental to our development, learning and well-being. ▪  Breathing ▪  Heart Rate ▪  Sucking ▪  Mature movement—walking, running ▪  Learning ▪  Speaking ▪  All depend on rhythm Rhythm Movements are especially helpful for calming, reflex integration, brain connectivity (maturity), and sensory integration.


Rhythmic Movement Calms, Organizes & Matures, Brain and Sensory Systems

BeforeandAfter10minutesofinnaterhythmicmovement—fromKyle,5yearsold.Submittedbyhismother,aphysicaltherapist


Infant Movements Associated with Speech and Language Development

J. Child Lang. 37 (2010), 229–261. f Cambridge University Press 2010 doi:10.1017/S0305000909990432 Developing language in a developing body: the relationship between motor development and language development* JANA M. IVERSON University of Pittsburgh This study highlights innate rhythmic movements that precede bursts in infant language development.


Rhythmic Movements Research

Crawling, a rhythmic movement, depends on Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) Crawling is associated with more flexible memory retrieval by 9-month-old infants. Dev Sci. 2007 Mar;10(2):183-9. Herbert J, Gross J, Hayne H. “Findings demonstrate that the onset of independent locomotion is associated with more flexible memory retrieval during the first year of life.”


The Brainstem, Cerebellum, & Basal Ganglia Depend on Rhythmic Movements for Brain Connectivity

Brainstem The RAS reticular activating system—a network of neurons in the brainstem— receives sensory information—tactile, visual, balance, proprioceptive, auditory—and relays it to the other part of the brain. Responsible for “wakefulness” alertness, attention.

Cerebellum is responsible for smooth, rhythmic movement and is active in the process of making learning automatic.

Basal Ganglia must be mature to enable our ability to be still. Also important for voluntary movement control, habit learning, eye movements, emotions and cognition.


Innate Rhythmic Movements— Ideal Foundation for Reflex Integration

With innate rhythmic movements: § Fight, Flight and Freeze states

fade away § Reflex Integration seems to

be deeper, more successful, longer-lasting


Rhythmic Movements for Calming and Brainstem Regulation—Excellent for healing trauma and anxiety

“The only way to move from high anxiety states, to calmer more cognitive states, is rhythm— patterned, repetitive, rhythmic somatosensory activity.”

Photo and paraphrase of interview excerpts with Bruce D. Perry, MD from https://attachmentdisorderhealing.com/developmental-trauma-3/ Accessed, 10-18-2018 (Emphasis Added)

Bruce D. Perry, MD


Brain Maturity Depends on innate rhythmic and reflex movements to mature

Brainstem, Cerebellum, and Basal Ganglia

¥  You cannot properly mature the brain, body, and sensory

systems without the full measure of innate infant rhythmic and reflex movements


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

pmc/articles/PMC3610079/

Rhythmic intervention to help with Autism


Rhythmic Movements for Brain Connectivity Neural connectivity, music, and movement: a response to Pat Amos

Eric Barnhill, Front Integr Neurosci. 2013; 7: 29.

Paraphrased:

“Rhythmic stimulation has the potential to be a powerful intervention. The broader one's investigation into neurobiology, the more the arguments for this view accumulate.”


Innate rhythmic and reflex movements from the Brain and Sensory Foundations® course, help greatly with

autism and sensory challenges.

MovePlayThrive.com


Why do Neurodevelopmental Movements work?

¥  These are the same movements that develop the brain and sensory systems of all humans in the first place.

¥  The brain is wired to recognize and respond to innate movements.

¥  Doing neurodevelopmental movement ‘reboots’ and develops the brain and sensory system at ANY age.

¥  Neuro-movement diminishes the Fight or Flight response

Innatesensory-motorinputcanbeutilizedbeyondinfancytopromotethefoundationsoffunctionatanyage.


Brain and Sensory Foundations®

Sale ends soon! Your $25 discount code is: SENSORYPRO25 valid through March 31, 2021

This course is for you if: ¥  You are trying to help a frustrated child ¥  You want to help children transform

sensory disorders ¥  You want greater results in less time


In-depth Comprehensive Tools Reflexes, rhythmic and developmental movements

▪  Innate Rhythmic

Movements—over 25 varieties (both levels)

▪  Playful games and activities for every reflex

▪  Special integrative movement tools to take the stress out of goals and relieve anxiety

▪  Instructor support

Documents

Sensory Project Slides - Move Play Thrive