Neurodevelopment support using rhythmic movements
- Is your child struggling with anxiety, attention difficulties or anger?
- Do they have any struggles with reading, writing or copying from the board?
- Is riding a bike, balancing or lack of coordination causing them difficulties?
If so, they may have some retained reflexes, which simply means that some of their earliest infant movement patterns have not yet been integrated and this is hampering some higher level development.
To help integrate these reflexes, I offer a rhythmic movement programme designed to gently strengthen brain-body connections and support your child’s overall development.
As a Neurodevelopment Practitioner, with experience as a teacher and tutor, I’ve been involved in many interventions focused on handwriting, reading, and similar activities. Over time, I’ve come to recognise the transformative impact of addressing the root cause of these challenges, rather than just doing more of what our child is finding difficult.
This means specific movements for our child’s body – this movement is at the root of all their brain and nervous system development.
Neurodevelopment using rhythmic movements
- Is your child struggling with anxiety, attention difficulties or anger?
- Do they have any struggles with reading, writing or copying from the board?
- Is riding a bike, balancing or lack of coordination causing them difficulties?
If so, they may have some retained reflexes, which simply means that some of their earliest infant movement patterns have not yet been integrated and this is hampering some higher level development.
To help integrate these reflexes, I offer a rhythmic movement programme designed to gently strengthen brain-body connections and support your child’s overall development.
As a Neurodevelopment Practitioner, with experience as a teacher and tutor, I’ve been involved in many interventions focused on handwriting, reading, and similar activities. Over time, I’ve come to recognise the transformative impact of addressing the root cause of these challenges, rather than just doing more of what our child is finding difficult.
This means specific movements for our child’s body – this movement is at the root of all their brain and nervous system development.
What is neurodevelopment?
Neurodevelopment refers to the progression of brain functions, starting with sensory processing through to auditory and visual development, emotion regulation, and higher-level cognitive skills like reading and writing. This process begins in the body with movement, and relies on strong connections between the brain and body.
Higher-level learning is interrupted if these foundational movement patterns and brain-body connections are not solid.
The good news is that simple rhythmic movements can help integrate the infant reflexes and strengthen brain-body connections. This creates a solid foundation to support advanced learning and development.
How does the programme work?
This programme focuses on integrating retained primitive reflexes, which are automatic movement patterns that form the foundation of early development. These reflexes are essential for survival and motor skills in infancy but should naturally integrate as the brain matures.
When these reflexes remain active beyond this time, they can disrupt the development of higher brain functions and impact learning, coordination, and emotion regulation.
Using rhythmic movement, this programme works to gently stimulate the central nervous system, encouraging the integration of these reflexes.
The movements mimic natural patterns from early development, helping to strengthen connections between the brain and body. This process lays a solid foundation for improved sensory processing, motor skills, and cognitive function.
The approach is non-invasive and simple to implement at home.
What can you expect?
With consistent practice of the simple movements, you can expect that your child may become more regulated, better able to focus, and more able in reading, writing, and learning.
The process is tailored to your child’s needs, with progress monitored through regular check-ins to reassess and adjust the programme as needed. Over time, these movements help integrate retained reflexes, supporting your child’s overall development.
Results typically require several months of consistent practice, depending on the reflexes involved.
What is neurodevelopment?
Neurodevelopment refers to the progression of brain functions, starting with sensory processing through to auditory and visual development, emotion regulation, and higher-level cognitive skills like reading and writing. This process begins in the body with movement and relies on strong connections between the brain and body.
Higher-level learning is interrupted if these foundational movement patterns and brain-body connections are not solid.
The good news is that simple rhythmic movements can help integrate infant reflexes and strengthen brain-body connections. This creates a solid foundation to support advanced learning and development.
How does the programme work?
This programme focuses on integrating retained primitive reflexes which are automatic movement patterns that form the foundation of early development. These reflexes are essential for survival and motor skills in infancy but should naturally integrate as the brain matures.
When these reflexes remain active beyond this time, they can disrupt the development of higher brain functions and impact learning, coordination, and emotion regulation.
Using rhythmic movement, this programme works to gently stimulate the central nervous system, encouraging the integration of these reflexes.
The movements mimic natural patterns from early development, helping to strengthen connections between the brain and body. This process lays a solid foundation for improved sensory processing, motor skills, and cognitive function.
The approach is non-invasive and simple to implement at home.
What can you expect?
With consistent practice of the simple movements, you can expect that your child may become more regulated, better able to focus, and more able in reading, writing, and learning.
The process is tailored to your child’s needs, with progress monitored through regular check-ins to reassess and adjust the programme as needed. Over time, these movements help integrate retained reflexes, supporting your child’s overall development.
Results typically require several months of consistent practice, depending on the reflexes involved.
Neurodevelopment therapy process
Your journey begins with a free initial chat, where we’ll discuss your child’s needs and determine if rhythmic movement is the right intervention for them. This is also an opportunity where I can answer any questions you have. Book your free initial chat here
In this 60-minute session, I will build a more detailed understanding of your child’s challenges by asking questions about their current struggles and early development history. This information helps me to create a tailored approach for their needs.
In this 45-60 minute session, I’ll work with your child to assess which primitive reflexes may still be active for them. This hands-on assessment guides the development of a rhythmic movement programme for them.
You’ll receive a detailed written report outlining the retained primitive reflexes identified in your child. The report will explain how these reflexes may contribute to their difficulties and include step-by-step guidance for the initial movements to practise at home.
After a week of practising the movements, we’ll meet to check-in. I’ll answer any questions, address any concerns, and likely introduce one or two new movements to continue making progress. We’ll then continue to meet every few weeks to build on this.
Neurodevelopment therapy process
Your journey begins with a free initial chat, where we’ll discuss your child’s needs and determine if rhythmic movement is the right intervention for them. This is also an opportunity where I can answer any questions you have. Book your free initial chat here
In this 60-minute session, I will build a more detailed understanding of your child’s challenges by asking questions about their current struggles and early development history. This information helps me to create a tailored approach for their needs.
In this 45-60 minute session, I’ll work with your child to assess which primitive reflexes may still be active for them. This hands-on assessment guides the development of a rhythmic movement programme for them.
You’ll receive a detailed written report outlining the retained primitive reflexes identified in your child. The report will explain how these reflexes may contribute to their difficulties and include step-by-step guidance for the initial movements to practise at home.
After a week of practising the movements, we’ll meet to check-in. I’ll answer any questions, address any concerns, and likely introduce one or two new movements to continue making progress. We’ll then continue to meet every few weeks to build on this.
Benefits of rhythmic movements
Better vision and sound processing
Less sensory overwhelm and stronger emotion regulation skills
More ease in developing cognitive skills such as reading, writing and comprehension
Benefits of rhythmic movements
Better vision and sound processing
Less sensory overwhelm and stronger emotion regulation skills
More ease in developing cognitive skills such as reading, writing and comprehension
Why worry about primitive reflexes?
If primitive reflexes remain in the body, they hinder higher-level movement patterns and brain development from taking place.
The Pyramid of Learning is a simple way to understand how children develop and learn. It shows that learning builds from the bottom up, starting with how a child’s body processes sensory information, like touch, movement, and balance. This sensory foundation is essential because it supports everything else – like coordination, focus, and problem-solving.
Think of it like building a house, if the foundation isn’t strong, the higher levels, like the walls and roof, will be unstable. Understanding this shows us why addressing sensory and motor development is so important for our child’s overall growth and learning journey.
When primitive reflexes are not integrated, these vital sensory, motor and cognitive skills cannot develop.
Why worry about primitive reflexes?
If primitive reflexes remain in the body, they hinder higher-level movement patterns and brain development from taking place.
The Pyramid of Learning is a simple way to understand how children develop and learn. It shows that learning builds from the bottom up, starting with how a child’s body processes sensory information, like touch, movement, and balance. This sensory foundation is essential because it supports everything else – like coordination, focus, and problem-solving.
Think of it like building a house, if the foundation isn’t strong, the higher levels, like the walls and roof, will be unstable. Understanding this shows us why addressing sensory and motor development is so important for our child’s overall growth and learning journey.
When primitive reflexes are not integrated, these vital sensory, motor and cognitive skills cannot develop.
Learn more in my introduction to retained primitive reflexes video
Learn more in my introduction to retained primitive reflexes video
Neurodevelopment movement therapy FAQs
Who is rhythmic movement for?
This movement is for children who struggle with sound processing, anxiety, regulating their emotions, reading and writing, focus and attention and any other higher-level learning skills.
How long is the rhythmic movement programme?
The programme will need to be done consistently for several months to begin to see the benefits. For teens and adults, this may take longer.
How much does this programme cost?
It costs £229 for a pre-assessment questionnaire, a physical in-person assessment, a written report and one follow-up appointment.
It is £70 per follow-up appointment thereafter (1 per month).
Does my child need my support to do the movement programme?
Yes, because the movements need to be done consistently at home and the movements are passive to begin with, which means you move your child’s body in small, rhythmical ways.
What are primitive reflexes?
Primitive reflexes are infant body movements that are in response to something, rather than controlled by the baby. They serve a purpose in helping the baby to survive and learn skills at specific points in their development but should be replaced by more mature and controlled movements as the baby grows.
Why should I support my child's primitive reflex integration?
Integrating primitive reflexes addresses issues at the very core of learning. It strengthens foundational body and brain connections so that higher-level learning can take place.
What are the benefits of neurodevelopment rhythmic movements?
When the brain has strong connections with the body, it is able to develop higher-level skills more securely. When primitive reflexes are not integrated, this development is always on shaky foundations and higher-level skills like emotion regulation, processing, reading, writing etc, will never reach their potential.
How long will the movements take each day?
The rhythmic movement programme is based on the principle of starting small and building up tolerance so you’ll start off with 2-3 minutes of movement and build up to no more than 15 minutes per day.
Does rhythmic movement have to be done in person?
The initial questionnaire can be done through Zoom, but the physical assessments and follow-ups need to be done in person.
For the in-person sessions, I am based in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Will my child enjoy the rhythmic movements?
The movements should be relaxing for your child so they bring an opportunity for calm and connection with them.
Neurodevelopment therapy FAQs
Who is rhythmic movement for?
This movement is for children who struggle with sound processing, anxiety, regulating their emotions, reading and writing, focus and attention and any other higher-level learning skills.
What are the benefits of neurodevelopment rhythmic movements?
When the brain has strong connections with the body, it is able to develop higher-level skills more securely. When primitive reflexes are not integrated, this development is always on shaky foundations and higher-level skills like emotion regulation, processing, reading, writing etc, will never reach their potential.
How long is the rhythmic movement programme?
The programme will need to be done consistently for several months to begin to see the benefits. For teens and adults, this may take longer.
How long will the movements take each day?
The rhythmic movement programme is based on the principle of starting small and building up tolerance so you’ll start off with 2-3 minutes of movement and build up to no more than 15 minutes per day.
How much does this programme cost?
It costs £229 for a pre-assessment questionnaire, a physical in-person assessment, a written report and one follow-up appointment.
It is £70 for each follow-up appointment thereafter (1 per month).
Does rhythmic movement have to be done in person?
The initial questionnaire can be done through Zoom, but the physical assessments and follow-ups need to be done in person.
For the in-person sessions, I am based in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Does my child need my support to do the movement programme?
Yes, because the movements need to be done consistently at home and the movements are passive to begin with, which means you move your child’s body in small, rhythmical ways.
Will my child enjoy the rhythmic movements?
The movements should be relaxing for your child so they bring an opportunity for calm and connection with them.
What are primitive reflexes?
Primitive reflexes are infant body movements that are in response to something, rather than controlled by the baby. They serve a purpose in helping the baby to survive and learn skills at specific points in their development but should be replaced by more mature and controlled movements as the baby grows.
Why should I support my child's primitive reflex integration?
Integrating primitive reflexes addresses issues at the very core of learning. It strengthens foundational body and brain connections so that higher-level learning can take place.
Not sure if this is the right next step?
If you’re not sure if this would be a good fit for your child/teen, you can book a 30-minute, no-obligation chat where I can tell you more and answer any questions you have.
You can then make up your own mind on what you want to do next, with no pressure from me.
Not sure if this is the right next step?
If you’re not sure if this would be a good fit for your child/teen, you can book a 30-minute, no-obligation chat where I can tell you more and answer any questions you have.
You can then make up your own mind on what you want to do next, with no pressure from me.
Types of primitive reflexes
These are some of the main primitive reflexes that cause difficulty for a child when they are not integrated. These can be addressed through simple rhythmic movements.
Fear reflexes – Fear Paralysis and Moro reflexes
When the fear reflexes have not developed into healthy nervous system responses, a child will feel generally unsafe and fearful in the world. They may go into fight, flight and freeze responses and not be able to regulate easily.
Neck reflexes – TNR, ATNR and STNR
When neck reflexes are not integrated, a child will struggle to move their neck independently of their body and may have difficulty riding a bike, copying from the board or keeping their head upright when reading or writing.
Spinal reflexes – Spinal Galant
When the Spinal Galant reflex is not integrated, a child may struggle to sit still, focus and pay attention, process sound accurately and may struggle with bed wetting.
Hand reflexes – Babkin
When the hand reflexes are not integrated, a child may be clingy and struggle to let go. They may also have speech difficulties/
Neck reflexes – TNR, ATNR and STNR
When neck reflexes are not integrated, a child will struggle to move their neck independently of their body and may have difficulty riding a bike, copying from the board or keeping their head upright when reading or writing.
Spinal reflexes – Spinal Galant
When the Spinal Galant reflex is not integrated, a child may struggle to sit still, focus and pay attention, process sound accurately and may struggle with bed wetting.
Hand reflexes – Babkin
When the hand reflexes are not integrated, a child may be clingy and struggle to let go. They may also have speech difficulties/
Ready to start or want to learn more?
Book your free, 30 minute initial chat with Shelley
✓ Confidential and supportive environment
✓ Personalised guidance tailored to your needs
✓ No commitment
✓ 100% free, no payment required
Shelley’s approach is both compassionate and learned, and I don’t know how I would have navigated my daughters autism diagnosis without her. Absolutely amazing.
Ready to start or want to learn more?
Book your free, 30 minute initial chat with Shelley
✓ Confidential and supportive environment
✓ Personalised guidance tailored to your needs
✓ No commitment
✓ 100% free, no payment required
Shelley’s approach is both compassionate and learned, and I don’t know how I would have navigated my daughters autism diagnosis without her. Absolutely amazing.