Every child’s journey is unique—and for some families, the challenges can feel overwhelming. Today, we’re honored to share the story of Julianne, an 11-year-old whose incredible growth through Reflex Integration Through Play™ reminds us why we do this work.
The Challenges
Julianne was born with a rare chromosome abnormality called 3P Deletion Syndrome. At the time of her birth, there were only 50 documented cases in the world. Along with this rare condition, Julianne also carried an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and faced complex medical challenges, including:
- Open-heart surgery at 14 months for a heart defect
- Epilepsy and seizures
- Feeding difficulties and failure to thrive
- Low muscle tone and gross/fine motor delays
- Struggles with balance, coordination, writing, and communication
Daily life for her family meant carrying purees when traveling, long stretches of feeding therapy, and endless work on basic motor and communication skills.
Discovering Reflex Integration Through Play
Julianne’s family was introduced to RITP through her occupational therapist, Bro Paulson with JMS Therapy. Using the RITP app and videos, her team began breaking down each movement into smaller, manageable steps.
For example, when working on “snow angels,” Julianne could move her arms or her legs separately, but not together. By breaking it into parts—arms first, then legs—she was able to gradually build success until she could complete the full movement.
The Breakthroughs
In just six months, the changes have been remarkable:
- Physical Growth
- Spinal improvement that “shouldn’t happen.” For years, Julianne’s thoracic spine had been completely straight. Recently, her orthopedic specialist documented a new, healthy curvature—something he credited to the reflex integration exercises.
- Greater strength and control in her movements, from squats to stepping up and down stairs.
- Stronger pencil grip and improved fine-motor skills.
- Emotional & Behavioral Changes
- Less anxiety during exercises, more peace in daily routines.
- Ability to sit and focus longer in class—up to 30 minutes of active participation.
- More compliance with daily tasks like dressing and transitions.
- Academic & Social Improvements
- Listening, processing, and responding in ways she hadn’t before.
- Teachers, behavioral therapists, and horseback riding instructors all noticed the changes within weeks.
- Increased peer play—coloring with classmates, building with blocks, and engaging socially with confidence.
Why It Works
Consistency, fun, and support made all the difference. The family practiced RITP movements nearly every day—sometimes just a few minutes at a time. Exercises like rocking, cat-cow, and snow angels became part of a positive routine, often tied to rewards like swimming or outdoor play.
Her therapist worked closely with the family and care team, ensuring exercises matched Julianne’s needs and energy. This combination of professional guidance, home practice, and playful repetition unlocked progress across every area of her development.
A Message for Other Families
“Knowing what I know with my daughter’s chromosome abnormality, seeing the dramatic changes in such a short period of time across the board, I would absolutely say to try the therapy.”
Julianne’s story is a reminder that progress is possible—even when the odds seem overwhelming.