Primitive reflex integration is a term being used in a variety of fields resulting in various approaches to treatment. This course provides therapists with a clear understanding of evaluating and treating primitive reflexes. It focuses on understanding the neuroanatomy of primitive reflexes, supporting research, and the importance of analyzing posture, biomechanics, and qualitative movement patterns. Several primitive reflex programs take a rote approach providing a “cookie-cutter” recipe to address each reflex individually. This class begins with understanding the neuroanatomy of the primitive reflexes and how they apply to natural development. It looks at the research and integrates occupational and physical therapy theories (Rood, Bobath, Brunnstrom, NDT) as these all play a large role in the understanding of the primitive reflexes. It teaches clinicians to assess the child’s posture and movement patterns as this is a vital key to integrating reflexes because a child cannot integrate if the posture is holding onto particular patterns of movement to allow for safety and stability. It then goes on to teach the reflexes in groups and patterns as they work together fluidly to promote function.
Objectives:
- Define the three levels of motor control in the central nervous system and how those levels impact occupation-based intervention.
- Correlate the findings from a research study to the evaluation and treatment of retained primitive reflexes.
- Determine how the structural development and alignment of the pelvis and trunk can impact a functional activity.
- Choose an appropriate primitive reflex integration assessment to address a functional impairment.
- Select a functional and individualized goal based on a primitive reflex integration assessment.
- Update a treatment plan to address retained primitive reflexes that utilizes effective strategies to strengthen your client’s skills during functional activities.
Schedule – Day 1
15 minutes – Course Overview and Introductions
1 hour 30 minutes – The Neuroanatomy of Primitive Reflexes: Neural Pathways, Research, and Relevance to Evaluation and Treatment
1 hour 30 minutes – Posture, the Ribcage and Pelvis:
Impact of Structure on Reflex Integration
15 minutes – Wrap-up, Questions, Discussion
Schedule – Day 2
30 minutes – Discussion, Questions from the Week
30 minutes – The Somatosensory System: Where Reflex Integration Begins
The Haller Method Body Mapping
2 hours 30 minutes – Evaluation and Treatment of Primitive Reflexes:
- Moro Reflex
- Hands Pulling and Hands Supporting Reflex
- Tonic Labrynthine Reflex
- Landau Reflex
- Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex
- Spinal Galant
- Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex
- Amphibian Reflex
- Babinski Reflex
Wrap up, Questions
Schedule – Day 3
15 minutes – Discussion, Questions from the Week
1 hour – Evaluation and Treatment of Primitive Reflexes:
- Babkin-Palmomental Reflex
- Rooting Reflex
- Sucking Reflex
- Palmar Reflex
- Plantar Reflex
- Crossed-Leg Extension Reflex
1 hour – Video Case Study
Evaluation of 1-2 pediatric clients
1 hour 15 minutes – Synthesize Evaluation with Treatment of Primitive Reflexes:
Review Evaluation and Treatment of all Primitive Reflexes
Question and Answer
30 Minutes – Post-Test
Janine Wiskind, MS, OTR/L is a pediatric occupational therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience. She began her career in brain injury rehabilitation, transitioned into school-based practice, and now serves as the founder of On Solid Ground, a private pediatric clinic in Atlanta specializing in reflex integration, sensory processing, and family-centered care.
Janine is known for her dynamic, engaging teaching style and her ability to make complex neuroscience and clinical concepts practical and accessible. For more than 15 years, she has been presenting nationally for a variety of organizations and professional groups, sharing evidence-informed strategies that help therapists not only understand what to do, but also the critical why behind children’s behaviors and developmental needs.
In addition to her clinical and teaching work, Janine is the founder of Body & Brain Parenting, an online platform that provides parents with accessible education and tools to view parenting through the lens of occupational therapy.
As a clinician, educator, and mother of two teenagers, Janine brings both professional expertise and lived perspective to her teaching. Her curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning inform a well-rounded, compassionate approach that equips therapists to grow in confidence and creativity while supporting the children and families they serve.
Financial Disclosure: Janine Wiskind receives an honorarium from Education Resources, Inc.
Non-Financial Disclosure: Janine Wiskind has no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Once you purchase an online course you will have access to the course materials. If you have purchased this course, please ensure you have logged in to your account in order to take the exam.
Once you purchase an online course, you will have the opportunity to take an exam to test your retention of the material. If you have purchased this course, please ensure you have logged in to your account in order to take the exam. The exam must be completed with a pass rate of 80% or more in order to receive your certificate of attendance.
Continuing Education Hours for disciplines not listed below: 11 contact hours (1.1 CEUs). Intermediate level. License #______________.
Education Resources Inc. is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID#04770. This Distance Learning-Interactive course is offered at 11 contact hours 1.1 CEUs. (Intermediate level, OT Service Delivery). AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products or clinical procedures. This course can be used toward your NBCOT renewal requirements for 11 units.
Approved for FL Occupational Therapists for 13 continuing education hours, #20-877782. This course meets the basic criteria of the MD Board of Physical Therapy Examiners for 1.1 CEU's. Approval #2203-79 by the NJ State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners for 11 CEC's. The Illinois Early Intervention Training Program has approved this event for 10.5 hours of EI credential credit in the area of Intervention. Approved sponsor by the State of IL Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for Physical Therapy for 13 contact hours. Approved provider by the NY State Board of Physical Therapy for 13.2 contact hours (1.32 CEUs). Education Resources is an approved agency by the PT Board of CA for 11 contact hours. This activity is provided by the TX Board of PT Examiners accredited provider #1910017TX for 11 CCUs and meets continuing competence requirements for PTs and PTAs licensure renewal in TX. 10 hours of this course qualify toward the 20 hours requirement for NDTA re-certification. The following state boards of physical therapy accept other states’ approval: AK, AR, AZ, DC, DE, GA, HI, ID, IN, KS, KY, MA, MI, MO, MS, NC, OR, PA, RI, SC, UT, VA, VT, WI, WY. The following state boards of physical therapy either do not require course pre-approval or do not require CEUs for re-licensure: AL, CO, CT, IA, ME, MT, NE, ND, NH, SD, WA.
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