Primitive Reflexes: Tonic Labyrinthine, Moro, Fear Paralysis Reflexes
About the Course
VIA ZOOM Join this two-session workshop, designed to be taken as a unit, as these reflexes have commonality. For your convenience, the sessions will be recorded in case you have to miss one of the classes.
We will explore three reflexes: the tonic labyrinthine reflex (TLR), the Moro, and the Fear Paralysis Reflex. The TLR is composed of two distinct parts: the TLR with excessive extension and the TLR with excessive flexion. The Moro is also a two-part reflex with an extensor and a flexor component. There is a relationship between the Moro and the Fear Paralysis Reflexes.
We will explore these reflexes in depth through a Spacial Dynamics point of view. Included will be the purposes of the reflexes, how to “see” them in developing children in everyday situations in the classroom setting without formal testing procedures, how to tell if the reflexes are becoming properly integrated over time, and what happens when the reflex does not become integrated in a timely manner.
Jane will offer tried-and -true ways to support the child’s integration of them. Participants will come away empowered to speak about the primitive reflexes with colleagues and parents. Ideas to give parents for home will be covered as well. Participants will gain an understanding of how to work with the primitive reflexes in concrete, developmentally-appropriate ways for children from infancy through the early grades. Parents are also warmly welcome!
Your Instructors:
Jane Swain
Jane Swain is an associate director and core faculty member. She is a pediatric physical therapist & movement therapist, with a special interest in supporting children to integrate their primitive reflexes. Jane is also a certified Level III trainer of Spacial Dynamics and is certified in Bothmer Gymnastics, Sensory Integration Praxis testing for children, and Neuro-developmental Treatment in pediatrics. She has studied the work of Dr. Emmi Pikler at the Pikler Institute in Budapest. She previously taught movement education in the early grades at the Monadnock Waldorf School and has provided classroom consultation and worked privately with children for many years. Jane is certified by the New Hampshire Child Development Bureau as an Early Childhood Master Professional Workshop Trainer. She has taught internationally and throughout the US. Jane has published several articles on sensory motor development in the young child. She has just completed the book, Free Movement from the Very Start: Self-initiated Movement and Sensorimotor Development. It is published by the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America.
