primitive reflexes

Today's episode is all about dyslexia! This episode covers a 2001 study that evaluated the physical development of children with dyslexia and found a significant problem with their physical maturity. This study indicates that dyslexia is less of a problem with the brain and more of a problem with the connection between the brain and the body.

This may seem insignificant, but it has reaching implications for treatment protocols. There are lots of things that we can do to improve the brain body connection and mitigate dyslexia symptoms.

www.earlyrootstherapy.com

Find the summary of the study mentioned in this episode here.

Today's episode takes a look at some of the most common retained primitive reflexes that I see. I discuss the Moro, ATNR, STNR, Spinal Galant and Palmer reflexes. Specifically what they are, what purpose they serve in infancy and how their improper development and inhibition impacts children as they age.

If you have a child who struggles with emotional, social, behavioral or learning difficulties, then this episode is a must hear!

Learn more at www.earlyrootstherapy.com

Today’s episode is all about ADHD. Specifically the question of whether or not ADHD is being over diagnosed. This episode covers a brief history of the diagnosis, the different theories around the increase in ADHD diagnoses over the last few decades and a critique of our current system for helping children and adults with ADHD. 

 In this episode I reference a lot of different resources if anyone wants to get more in depth with this topic. Here are some important links:

Diagnostic criteria for ADHD here
Dr. Ruth Schmidt Neven’s podcast episode on ADHD here 
Dr. Schmidt Neven's publication list here
MTA Study Review here
ADHD Long-term medication use and cardiovascular risk here
Large review published studies on ADHD here
Sami Timimi publications here
Keith Conners letter here
British Psychological Society critique of the DSM 5 here
Alan Schwartz exposure of Big Pharma’s influence on ADHD diagnosis here
Crime of the Century Documentary here

My website here

Today’s episode is all about genetics. When I talk about the connection between primitive reflexes, poor brain development and diagnoses like ADHD and Autism I often get the response: But I thought it was genetic? 

The quick answer is yes, there is a genetic connection between ADHD and Autism, but saying this can be very misleading. This episode explores the link between genetics and these diagnoses. We will look at what that actually means and how genes influence developmental delays.

Find my website here.

Today’s episode is all about the history and current research on primitive reflexes. I also cover the three main organizations that offer training on primitive reflex integration and discuss specific research findings. My goal for this episode is to help parents understand what we know, suspect, and need more information on when it comes to primitive reflexes and developmental delays. My hope is that this will help parents find the right care for their children.

Here are links to the three main training organizations. I studied with the Institute of Neuro-Physiological Psychology and LOVE their program (I am obviously biased). You can find information about their programs as well as links to their books and research here. 

They also have branches all over the world and each country has a separate website. You can find information on the U.S. branch as well as a list of current U.S. licentiates here. I think you have to contact them in order to get the contact information of the licentiates though.

You can find the website for the MNRI method here.

You can find the website for the rhythmic movement method here.

When I started this episode I was surprised to see how much new research has come out since I was in school. Below are links to several different studies, some mentioned specifically in this episode some not:

You can find a long list of research authored or co-authored by INPP licentiates here.

You can find a long list of research specifically related to MNRI here.

Here is a list of individual studies related to primitive reflexes. I mention a couple of these specifically in the episode, the rest extra for any other crazy nerds out there who like to really get into the weeds with this stuff. Enjoy!

(I had to just make a numbered list to save character space in this description)

1.
2. 
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

There is more research if any of you get that far! I was very excited to see research coming from so many different areas all saying similar things. Obviously we need research to help refine practices and look at long term impacts, but I am excited that this area is growing. 

If you want more information you can find my website here.

Today’s episode is going to cover one of my most frequently asked question which is: Can you help my child? This episode is going to go over the history of neuro-developmental delay more recently called neuro-motor immaturity and the research on primitive reflexes and the connection between physical and mental development. I’m also going to talk about the most common symptoms I see in the kids I work with and the benefits, limitations and disadvantages of this type of therapy. 

Research Links

https://www.inpp.org.uk/publications

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5778413/

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2020.431835/full

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2014-03619-001

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24092983/

Visit my website to learn more: www.earlyrootstherapy.com

Today’s episode is the final part of our mini series on early development. This episode looks at the immediate postpartum period, the few hours after birth, and how this time period impacts our long-term neurological development. We are talking about things like delayed cord clamping, primitive reflex function and development, attachment, resuscitation practices and more.

You can find my website here.

There is an amazing ted talk called 90 Seconds to Change the World that discusses delayed cord clamping and its benefits here.

You can also find great information on optimal cord clamping at the Wait for White website here.

If you want more in depth information on fetal circulation and transitions there is a cool Khan academy video here. 

There is some cool research on Kangaroo Care here and here. 

This is the second episode in our special series on early brain development. Today we are looking at labor and birth and how this process affects our brain long-term. Many people understand the importance of pregnancy on brain development but often skip over labor and birth and jump right into infancy. Even though labor and birth are relatively short period of time in our neurological development they play a huge role in helping us transition into newborn life and help us set the foundation for future brain development. 

This episode goes into depth on the process of labor and birth and what is happening from the baby’s perspective. It covers normal and abnormal birth experiences and risk factors that can arise during this important time. Labor and birth play an important role in how your child’s brain will function in the future. If we as a society want to curb this explosion of developmental problems we are seeing we have to back up and figure out where they start.

You can find my website here.

 If you want to learn more about the midwifery model of care, breech birth, home birth, the microbiome and other things I mention in this episode, I highly recommend these resources:

The Business of Being Born 

Why Not Home

The Birthing Instincts Podcast 

VBAC Facts 

Microbirth

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth (book)

You can find a list of research and resources from the Institute of Neuro-Physiological Psychology Research here. 

This is the first episode in a special series on early development. This series is looking at the neurological development that is happening during pregnancy, birth and the early infancy period and how things that happen during these stages can impact the brain years down the road. 

This first episode is looking at conception and pregnancy. We are going to take a deep look at fertility problems, maternal health, pregnancy complications and more. Each of these stages plays a role in how your child’s brain will function in the future. If we as a society want to curb this explosion of developmental problems we are seeing we have to back up and figure out where they start. 

Below are a few other podcast episodes that discuss similar topics. Enjoy!

The Joe Rogan Experience Episode #1638 Dr. Shanna Swan

Birthing Instincts Episode #315 Advanced Maternal Age: Debunking Myths 

Institute of Neuro-Physiological Psychology Research List

I looked at a ton of research articles on fertility for this episode, if you want to read what I did just google IVF research articles. I try to sort through a lot of it in the podcast episode but I figured I would list what I think is the most important one here. This paper includes reference to a lot of other studies so if you want to go down the rabbit hole it’s a good place to start. 

The Early Roots Website

We are born with a set of primitive reflexes that are necessary for our survival but over the course of the first year should be gradually inhibited or integrated with higher cortical functions over time. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons primitive reflexes do not always get integrated as higher cotrical functions get online. Sonia Story is a leading expert on the role of primitive reflexes in contributing to a variety of mental health issues. It is an exciting area that provides a new set of interventions for children based on movement patterns. 

Some helpful links to supplement the podcast

How neurodevelopmental movements can help with mental health issues.

https://www.moveplaythrive.com/MentalHealth

The importance of Primitive Reflexes

https://www.moveplaythrive.com/learn-more/item/importance-of-integrating-reflexes

About ADHD and Primitive Reflexes

https://www.moveplaythrive.com/learn-more/item/can-adhd-be-dissolved

About Sonia Story's Brain and Sensory Foundation course

https://www.moveplaythrive.com/OBSF1

This episode is a crash course in brain development. We dive into how the brain develops and how early experiences change the trajectory of brain function. This is important to know if you are working with children with developmental delays like ADHD, dyslexia, sensory processing problems and Autism. Understanding brain development enables us to address the root cause of developmental delays rather than focusing on the symptoms.

Early Roots Website

Today's episode is all about sensory processing problems! We are diving into the normal 5 senses: light, sound, touch, taste and smell. We are also looking at other lesser known senses such as the vestibular, propriocetive and interoceptive systems. Many children with developmental dealys struggle with one or more of these sensory systems. This episode looks at the most common sensory related problems and their neurological roots.

If you have a child you are concerned about, then visit my website www.earlyrootstherapy.com to learn more.

This episode is all about treating primitive reflexes. I am very excited that awareness about primitive reflexes has exploded over the last few years. More and more parents and professionals are becoming aware of how they impact development and they are starting look at diagnoses like ADHD and dyslexia through this developmental lens. While this awareness is amazing, I am concerned about the different "treatments" that I have seen pop up online. Usually these are videos or blog posts giving parents oversimplified exercises to try with their children. This episode dives into what parents should look for in an effective treatment plan and also gives recourses for professionals who are wanting to expand their education.

I got my post-graduate degree at the Institute of Neuro-Physiological Psychology. They are both a school and a research institution and have the most in-depth education on treating primitive reflexes that I have found.

If you want more in-depth information on primitive reflexes check out the book Attention Balance and Coordination the A.B.C. of Learning Success. It is one of the main textbooks that INPP uses in their post-graduate degree program.

If you are concerned about your child, then visit my website to learn more!

This episode is all about preventing retained reflexes and developmental dealys. It builds on a previous episode about complications and risk factors and gives practical steps parents can take to prevent developmental delays in their future children.

Resources for treating parental anxiety and other mental health problems:

Follow Dr. Psych Mom's blog and podcast. She also has a whole network of therapists that work in several different states.

Here you can find some information about brainspotting. This is a new theraputic technique that can really help work through specific fears and traumas.

Here you can find some information about EMDR.

With both brain spotting and EMDR you will need to find a therapist who utilizes these techniques and work with them.

Here you can find information about MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies). They have a LOT of promising research on the use of psychedelic drugs in combination with therapy and the benefits on a wide range of mental health problems. Like I mention in the podcast, if it were me, this is where I would start.

Here you can find more information about the midwifery model of care including the benefits and research.

If you want to learn more about prevention there is a book called What Babies and Children Really Need by Sally Goddard Blythe. This book goes into a lot of depth on prevention. 

Lastly you can visit my website here if you want to learn more. 

This episode is all about visual development and how kids learn how to control their eyes. Pretty much all of the kids I work with who struggle in school have some problems with the way they move thier eyes. Eye development happens early in the first year after birth and when this system doesn't work properly it can tank our ability to learn in school.

Visit my website here to learn more. 

In this episode we take a look at the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex and its contribution to academic delays. This reflex is very common in children with Dyslexia and ADHD and integrating it is hugely helpful for fixing academic problems specifically reading and writing.

Visit the Early Roots website to learn more.

Find the link for the ATNR Schilder Test here. 

In this episode we are looking at the risk factors that contribute to retained primitive reflexes and developmental delays. We are going to dive deep into the brain development that happens during pregnancy and the early infancy stages and how these stages set the foundation for long-term brain development.

If you have a child you're concerned about then visit my website at earlyrootstherapy.com and fill out my screening questionnaire.

Here are some resources if you want to learn more about the trauma body connection I mention in this episode:

Dr. Gabor Mate is an expert on this you can find his website here.

There is also a wonderful book called The Body Keeps the Score and you can find more information about it here.

I also mentioned the documentary Microbirth which is a great film for anyone wanting to learn about our microbiome and its impact on our immune system. 

In this episode we dive into the topic of retained primitive reflexes. Specifically, what they are, how they impact long term brain development and how they are contributing to the explosion of childhood developmental delays we are currently seeing in the United States.

Visit the Early Roots website to learn more. 

ABOUT THIS EPISODE –

Deep in frustration have you ever questioned yourself and said ‘what’s wrong with me?’

You feel you should be able to do something but for some reason you just can’t seem to see it or get it right.

I feel this about spelling. I try so hard, check what I have written many times but I just don’t see simple errors or sometimes the spelling is so bad the spell check on the computer can’t even make a suggestion!

This really knocks my confidence and as a result I try and avoid anything that involves writing.

In this episode, my guest, Niki McGlynn who has been working with neurodevelopment and primitive reflexes for nearly 10 years, casts a shining light on why many of us have these issues and more importantly explains how we can overcome them.

Niki’s daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia are 13 and Nikki herself was diagnosed at 40. Niki wanted to find something that would specifically help her daughter so that she had a better experience of school than she had. Now, after finding neurodevelopment movement programmes, which gently integrate primitive reflexes, and build new neural connections in the brain to improve focus and concentration, behaviour and organisation, Nikki really feels that she has found that gem that's going to help you today, tomorrow and improve your life.

In this episode Niki explains what primitive reflexes are, how, for many children they translate in school to an educational need such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or dyscalculia. Niki believes if we could see it more as a human issue, as a functional issue and less of an educational issue, perhaps we'd have a greater understanding.

This is a truly fascinating conversation from which I am sure all of us will take real value and practical advice that we can apply for ourselves or someone we know.

KEY TAKEAWAYS –

“move your body, it builds your brain”

ABOUT NIKI MCGLYNN- 

Niki McGlynn has been a therapist for over 20 years and working with neurodevelopment and primitive reflexes for nearly 10 years.  

After her daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia at 13 and Niki was diagnosed at 40, she wanted to find something that would specifically help her daughter so that she had a better experience of school than she had!  

After finding neurodevelopment movement programs which gently integrate primitive reflexes and build new neural connections in the brain to improve focus, concentration, behaviour and organisation and reduce anxiety and chronic back and neck pain.  Often neurodevelopment is aimed at children but this can be really helpful for adults, particularly in addressing trauma.

Niki is currently developing neurodevelopment into a business tool to help reduce stress and sick days in business and increase productivity and team building.

CONNECT WITH NIKI-

Website: www.OrganisedMind.co.uk

Email: Niki@OrganisedMind.co.uk

ABOUT THE HOST –

Lara is a Presence, Impact & Image Consultant, Speaker and Co-Author of the International Bestselling book, The Law of Brand Attraction.

Lara works with Ladies around the globe to Unlock Their Hidden Confidence through knowing their colours, understanding their body shape and personality so they can develop an authentic personal style.

In addition Lara works with business leaders and entrepreneurs to Unlock Their Hidden Confidence to ensure they have maximum Impact & Influence through a Powerful, Authentic Personal Brand, Business Skills and Knowledge.

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If you are interested in working with Lara, please book a complimentary 20 minute curiosity call via Calendly https://calendly.com/lara-lauder/20mindiscovery  

CONNECT WITH LARA   -

www.laralauder.com

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HOSTED BY: Lara Lauder

DISCLAIMER

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence.