Dementia, a state of mental functioning that’s attributed to a number of diseases, impacts roughly one third of adults 85 and older. Cognitive deterioration like Alzheimer’s is a window into how our memory is closely associated with our complex neural networks.
Putting off or delaying tasks until the last minute, or even past deadline, is an irrational yet tempting choice. Procrastination is a classic tug of war battle in our brain, between immediate gratification and potential negative consequences. In the end, procrastination persists when our brain’s center for executive functioning, the prefrontal cortex, loses out.
The Landau reflex underpins postural and navigational movement, as well as binocular vision and hearing. As an arousing reflex, where blood flows to the prefrontal cortex when the head tilts, several emotional developments occur with Landau’s integration. Just as the body physically extends to reach out into the word, the reflex underpins self-initiation.
Dyslexia, a neurological disorder that impacts how children read and identify sequencing and speech sounds, impacts up to 20% or one in five students. We’re examining how active primitive reflexes may contribute to the visual processing challenges found in disorders like dyslexia.
In this case study, a young athlete struggled with stress and frustration that was impacting his performance, not only at school but on the ice rink. Our work addressed active reflexes that were causing his overstimulation and anxiety, utilizing rhythmic movement exercises to channel his focus and calm.
The act of crawling helps introduce bilateral coordination, where both sides of the body working in tandem. While this infant milestone recently fell off the CDC ‘checklist,’ the fact remains that the movement is not only significant but foundational to our development.
Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) involves a primitive movement pattern that serves to create the first sensory motor connections to the right and left hemispheres leading us to an understanding that we have both a right and left side.
It wouldn’t be the Fourth of July without a host of firework-fueled celebrations. The loud noises and unpredictable flashes of light are also incredibly stimulating, especially in a crowded, often hot setting. Navigating this holiday with auditory processing and sensory challenges involves planning and an understanding of the impact of our earliest reflexes.
Our earliest form of learning is through self-exploration and play. A report by the LEGO Foundation found that children show significantly greater gains in literacy, motor, social-emotional development and math skills in an environment that allows a mix of free play with instructional learning.
When I’m not with clients or in our Elmhurst space, I’m often delivering custom learning opportunities on the road. When a team of professionals, or even a family unit, learns together, meaningful connections are made through the collaborative experience.
