A question I ask every parent of a school-aged child who contacts me is, \u201cIs your child generally coping at school?\u201d So often, the answer is, \u201cno.\u201d So many of our young people find school to be an incredibly difficult environment to function in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every parent wants to see their child thrive in school\u2014academically, socially, and emotionally. But what if your child is bright and capable, yet still struggles with reading, focus, coordination, or even behavior?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The root of the problem might not lie in your child\u2019s motivation or intelligence. Instead, it could be linked to something most people don\u2019t even think about\u2014retained primitive reflexes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Primitive reflexes are automatic movements that babies are born with. They\u2019re essential for survival and early development. For example, the Moro reflex<\/em> (or startle reflex) helps a baby respond to sudden stimuli, while the rooting reflex<\/em> helps with feeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As babies grow, these reflexes are supposed to be naturally integrated by the brain, making way for more controlled and voluntary movements. However, in some children, these reflexes aren\u2019t fully integrated and remain retained in the body. When this happens, they can interfere with learning, motor coordination, focus, and emotional regulation\u2014even years later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Retained reflexes can manifest in subtle and surprising ways. Here are some common signs to look for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n All of the above clues have can be influenced or caused by retained reflexes that are still active in the body<\/p>\n\n\n\n When primitive reflexes persist beyond infancy, they can hijack the body\u2019s ability to self-regulate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the classroom, these reflexes frequently lead to a child being misunderstood. A child may be labeled as \u201clazy,\u201d \u201cdisruptive,\u201d or \u201cunmotivated\u201d when, in reality, their brain and body are working overtime to manage underdeveloped reflex patterns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember, reflexes are automatic and involuntary. When they are triggered in the body they cause an automatic and involuntary movement response that a child is often not even aware of until after the fact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The good news is that RMTi is one way to address retained reflexes. RMTi uses simple, gentle, and repetitive movements that mimic the rocking and rolling motions babies naturally perform during early development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These rhythmic movements stimulate the brain stem and cerebellum\u2014the parts of the brain responsible for movement, coordination, and reflex integration. Over time, RMTi helps the nervous system complete unfinished developmental tasks and \u201cturn off\u201d primitive reflexes that are no longer needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What makes RMTi unique is its focus on developmental sequencing. Rather than forcing children to practice skills they\u2019re not neurologically ready for, RMTi helps lay the neurological foundation<\/strong> those skills rest upon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is always so rewarding to hear parents report that after using RMTi with their children, they have noticed any of the following outcomes: <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Are Primitive Reflexes?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Clues Your Child May Have Retained Reflexes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How Reflexes Impact Learning and Behavior<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/li>\n\n\n\nHow Rhythmic Movement Training (RMTi) Helps<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Changes Parents See with RMT<\/strong>i<\/h3>\n\n\n\n