Primitive Reflex Integration and Child Development - Reflex Integration Through Play

The first course in our RITP Certification program, an introductory course to learn the basics of Primitive Reflexes and how to apply them to your OT therapy practice.

What will you learn?

At the end of the course, you will be able to…

List the benefits and functions of primitive reflexes
Recognize the milestones of primitive reflex integration within developmental milestones
Recognize how primitive reflexes influence common functional activities in children
Identify possible movements to be conducted as part of a reflex integration treatment plan to improve specific functional activities.
Recognize common signs and symptoms of retained reflexes observed in the classroom and the playground
Recognize how retained reflexes affect developmental maturation, and sensory processing
List key developmental milestones and functional properties of the brain.

What are Primitive Reflexes?

Reflexes are normal, involuntary movement patterns that promote motor learning and sensory integration. Most reflexes become integrated into a pattern of movement after infancy. However, sometimes, reflexes do not become easily integrated and interfere with a child’s ability to develop an appropriate foundation for stability and mobility. A child may learn faulty and adaptive movement patterns that interfere with foundations to be successful.

How are they related to functional outcomes?

Retained reflexes contribute to motor delays, sensory processing issues, behavioral problems, poor visual processing skills, poor auditory processing skills, hyperactivity, poor attention, health issues, or learning difficulties.

These are all directly related to functional outcomes we seek to improve in our OT clients.

How Do I Integrate Retained Reflexes?

To integrate reflexes, take a child through the foundational movements their brain needs to integrate their retained reflexes, resulting in healthy, well-adapted movement patterns, and improving specific functional activities.

This course will teach you the basics of primitive reflexes, how to use them in your functional assessments of clients and a basic understanding of how reflex integration techniques can help your clients reach their OT goals.

This online course is designed for Occupational and Physical Therapists, Occupational and Physical Therapy Assistants, and other pediatric service providers. CEUs awarded after successful completion of course materials and an 80% or better score on quizzes.

Course Content

Welcome!
Brain Development Overview
Fear Paralysis Reflex
- About the Fear Paralysis Reflex
Moro Reflex
- About the Moro Reflex
- Exercises to Integrate the Moro Reflex
Palmar Reflex
- About the Palmar Reflex
- Exercises to Integrate the Palmar Reflex
Rooting Reflex
- About the Rooting Reflex
- Exercises to Integrate the Rooting Reflex
Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)
- About the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)
- Exercises to Integrate the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)
Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)
- About the Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)
- Exercises to Integrate the Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)
Spinal Galant Reflex
- About the Spinal Galant Reflex
- Exercises to Integrate the Spinal Galant
Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)
- About the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)
- Exercises to Integrate the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)
Additional Trainings & Resources
- Babinski Reflex
- Hands Pulling Reflex
Final Quiz
Exit Survey

Want to Enroll?

This course is part of the Reflex Integration Through Play™ certification program. For pediatric OTs and service providers, our 5-step program will give you the knowledge, tools, and experience to confidently help your clients reach their developmental goals with less stress, while having more fun.

Learn about Certification

About Instructor

Kokeb McDonald, OTR/L

I'm a pediatric occupational therapist, author, and coach with a strong passion for helping people develop into their healthiest selves. As a mother of two wonderful children, I bring genuine care and compassion to my mission to transform occupational therapy. As the creator of the Reflex Integration Through Play method and book series, I created these resources not only because they offer fellow professionals a tool to expand their clinical reach, but also because they are empowering and reassuring tools for frustrated parents. Join me in learning to better serve the children around us.

15 Courses

+67 enrolled

Not Enrolled

This course is currently closed

Course Includes

20 Lessons
57 Topics
11 Quizzes
Course Certificate
0.45 AOTA CEUs
4.5 Contact Hours

AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.

Contact us with questions or accessibility requests at admin@polaristherapy.com.

Polaris Therapy, LLC is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. PD activity approval ID# 5724. This Distance Learning-Independent activity is offered at 0.45 CEUs, Introductory level, Foundational Knowledge. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA or indicate AOTA approval of a certification or other professional recognition.

Course content may refer to other products or services produced by Polaris Therapy, LLC. Note that the instructor and Polaris Therapy, LLC may benefit financially from purchases of these products.

Class Terms of Use Policy

1. Terms. By accessing this School, you are agreeing to be bound by these Terms of Use, all applicable laws and regulations, and agree that you are responsible for compliance with any applicable local laws. If you do not agree with any of these terms, you are prohibited from using or accessing this site. The materials contained in this School are protected by applicable copyright and trademark law.

2. Use License. Permission is granted to temporarily download one copy of any downloadable materials on the School’s website for personal, non-commercial transitory viewing only. This is the grant of a license, not a transfer of title, and under this license you may not:

modify or copy the materials;
use the materials for any commercial purpose, or for any public display (commercial or non-commercial);
attempt to decompile or reverse engineer any software contained on the School’s web site;
remove any copyright or other proprietary notations from the materials; or
transfer the materials to another person or ‘mirror’ the materials on any other server.

This license shall automatically terminate if you violate any of these restrictions and may be terminated by Company at any time. Upon terminating your viewing of these materials or upon the termination of this license, you must destroy any downloaded materials in your possession whether in electronic or printed format.

3. Disclaimer. The materials on the School’s website are provided ‘as is’. The School makes no warranties, expressed or implied, and hereby disclaims and negates all other warranties, including without limitation, implied warranties or conditions of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement of intellectual property or other violation of rights. Further, the School does not warrant or make any representations concerning the accuracy, likely results, or reliability of the use of the materials on its website or otherwise relating to such materials or on any sites linked to this site.

4. Limitations. In no event shall the School be liable for any damages (including, without limitation, damages for loss of data or profit, or due to business interruption) arising out of the use or inability to use the materials on the School’s website, even if the School or an authorized of the School has been notified orally or in writing of the possibility of such damage. Because some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on implied warranties, or limitations of liability for consequential or incidental damages, these limitations may not apply to you.

5. Revisions and Errata. The materials appearing on the School’s website may include technical, typographical, or photographic errors. The School does not warrant that any of the materials on its web site are accurate, complete, or current. The School may make changes to the materials contained on its web site at any time without notice. The School does not, however, make any commitment to update the materials.

6. Links. The School has not reviewed all of the sites linked to its website and is not responsible for the contents of any such linked site. The inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by the School of the site. Use of any such linked website is at the user’s own risk.

7. Site Terms of Use Modifications. The School may revise these Terms of Use for its website at any time without notice. By using this website you are agreeing to be bound by the then current version of these Terms of Use.

8. Governing Law. Any claim relating to the School’s website shall be governed by the laws of the School Owner’s home jurisdiction without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

Polaris Therapy Cancellation and Refund Policy

In-Person Event. If you need to cancel your registration, for the in-person event, we must have your request in writing. Written notices of cancellation should be sent via e-mail to admin@polaristherapy.com, no later than 48 hours before the scheduled, in-person event takes place. Written notification received 48 hours prior to the in-person event, will receive a full refund.

Online, Pre-recorded Webinars, Workshops, and/or Live Training. Upon registration, you have immediate and complete access to the coursework that we provide. No refunds will be given after the purchase of our courses.

Polaris Therapy and the event host reserve the right to cancel a live training with due cause. Registrants will still have access to the recording to view at a later date.

Registrants bear full responsibility for internet connectivity and accessibility for live webinars. The inability to operate a computer or use virtual classroom features to participate in a live webinar are not grounds for a tuition refund when the course is held online. Registrants will still have access to the recording to view at a later date.