What are primitive reflexes?
Primitive reflexes are “reflexive actions” that come from the Central Nervous System (CNS) in response to a stimulus. They are present in normally developing infants and babies will use movement (in a certain developmental sequence) in order to integrate. This is considered a maturational process. Primitive reflexes should not be present in “neurologically intact” adults, but sometimes are still found to present in adults for a variety of reasons. Children with various physical and/or genetic challenges and also have retained or un-integrated primitive reflexes. Testing for retained primitive reflexes can be completed by someone trained to know what to look for.
The presence of retained primitive reflexes can create challenges within a person’s nervous system. Based on the reflex that is still present, there are a number of symptoms as cited in the literature, that can be observed in these individuals. Symptoms such as;
- Anxiety/panic/emotional problems
- Hypersensitivity
- Balance/coordination/posture
- Toileting
- Learning disabilities
- ADHD/impulsivity
- Focus/attention span
- Reading/writing
- Speech/articulation
What is Rhythmic Movement Training (RMTi)?
“Rhythmic Movement Training is a movement based, primitive (infant or neo-natal) reflex integration program that uses developmental movements, gentle isometric pressure and self-awareness to rebuild the foundations necessary to help overcome learning, sensory, emotional and behavioural challenges for children and adults.”
See https://rhythmicmovement.org/ for more information.
Research https://rhythmicmovement.org/resources
Rosanne Papadopoulos is finishing her training in this reflex integration method.