Reflex Integration
The question we often hear from parents: "So what are reflexes?"
Reflexes also known as Primitive or Infant reflexes are automatic movements that we are all born with. Some of the examples that are well known is baby grasping response known as palmar grasp or suckling response needed for the newborn to survive.
In our early development we do have several other reflexes that serve as basic building blocks for future development.
For some children reflexes do not integrate- which means some of them can stay too active. What happens if reflexes stay active beyond the age they should, they can interfere with development.
Parents, teachers and therapists may observe difficulties in:
Motor Skills development and maturation
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Clumsiness
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Poor posture
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Difficulty sitting upright
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Poor handwriting
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Coordination problems
Sensory & Neurodevelopment
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Sensory sensitivities
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Poor balance
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Low muscle tone
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Difficulty with bilateral coordination
Learning / Behavior
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Difficulty focusing
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Anxiety with sudden sounds or movement
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Challenges with reading/writing
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Trouble crossing midline
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Trouble with executive functions
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Difficulties with self regulation
NIMP- Neuro-integrative movement program offered by Movement Horizons is a coaching program designed to support population of neurodivergent children and their families. It is a highly individualized approach of directly facilitated sensory and motor activities that aim at strengthening self-regulation, sensory tolerance, body awareness and executive functions (initiation, attention, sequencing, flexibility) — all of which are essential for improvement in level of independence and access to community participation. In addition, the program includes exercises targeting primitive reflex integration, tactile, proprioceptive and vestibular processing, and exercises facilitating ability of multitasking. Our program also includes recreation-based components that assist individuals through adapted physical activities tailored to their level of functioning, providing the appropriate level of physical, verbal, and tactile assistance. Some of the examples include use of iGallop as an indoor form of simulated horseback riding, activities including motor games requiring use of vision, auditory processing and motor participation taking place both in the office and in the community, whole body assisted activities to engage large muscles of the body, improve self initiated movement with greater control and ease. “Neuro-integrative movement program” is delivered under direct guidance of a trained integrative movement facilitator. When attended on a regular weekly or biweekly basis is designed to help individuals:
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Attain or maintain their maximum level of functioning
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Improve self-help, communication, and higher executive function skills
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Increase their ability to function more independently in the community
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Improve awareness of self and surroundings
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Support communication skills and visual, auditory, and tactile awareness and perception experiences
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Allow individuals greater connection to community events and activities that contribute to independence and inclusion
Here are some examples of motor challenges that we address in our sessions:
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Neuro-motor deficits of known and unknown source
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Early intervention (0-3 special discount for sessions at this age group)
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For children at risk of developmental delays (e.g. premature or traumatic birth)
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Cerebral palsy
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Hypotonia and hypertonia
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Autism spectrum disorder
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ADD/ADHD
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Sensory processing disorders
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Stroke/traumatic brain injury
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Brachial plexus injury
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Torticollis and scoliosis
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Motor-coordination issue
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Rare genetic diagnosis
Intensive physical therapy
Program
To optimize the amount of change and progress that the child can make it is most beneficial to start with intensive program of movement therapy. Doing about 2 hours of therapy each day for a period of 1-3 weeks time allows us to “awaken” the brain's capacity to learn, change, and create new motor and sensory pathways. The intensive program is like a “jump start” for positive change. You can also think of it as a preparation for the muscular, skeletal and nervous system to go to the next level of independence.
Because each child is different, and each family is unique we will work with parents and caregivers to set the optimum schedule.
Follow up is usually 1-2 sessions per week along with an individualized home program. Depending on the child's needs we often repeat the intensive program after a period of 6-8 weeks as needed.
Early intervention physical therapy
EARLY start of movement intervention is critical- because humans learn to move and move to develop their brain, learn and grow right from the first weeks of life
0-3 Years
At Movement Horizons we are passionate about our early intervention program and committed to supporting young children with disabilities.
Early intervention therapy is vital to unlocking a child's full life potential and maximizing the results of therapy. It involves working alongside children and their families during the child’s most influential developmental years (0-36 months). Research shows that intense therapy and support during these important years can make a very positive difference in the lives of children with disabilities because the rate of development and brain plasticity is most rapid in their early years.
Starting intervention as the first signs of delays and concerns can completely change the outcome of the challenges that you child might be otherwise facing in their future.
It is also the most incredible way to support and optimize not only motor but also cognitive and emotional development of the child.
Training
for Parents & Caregivers
" It is parents who know their children best and it is parents with their unwavering dedication and love that can support the change and ongoing growth"
We offer support and education services that we consider essential for all parents and caregivers of children with disabilities. These services provide parents and caregivers with more knowledge and hands on skills for caring, teaching and enhancing their children's life every single day.
We help to increase parents' confidence in the way they interact and play with their child. We educate them about how to positively support their child's development and path to reach their next milestones.
With experience and expertise we share daily tips and simple ways of incorporating essential strategies that fit their kids needs and meet individual family abilities.
Equipment
Consultation
Our extensive experience in school settings and beyond allows us to provide advice for the best equipment choices for your child; including wheelchairs and other adaptive seating systems.
We are also well versed in consultation/collaboration with AAC specialists on positioning for accessing a communication device.
Our team regularly follows and visits Abilities Expo to discover, learn and test new rehabilitation equipment, staying current with innovations to support those with physical needs.
