Finding His Voice

Even when Charlie finally broke ground, suddenly speaking dozens of words over the course of a week, his progress would be a rollercoaster of tremendous gains and long plateaus. His parents watched as his developmental progressions always brought him back to a place of silent anxiety and frustration. When he entered school, Charlie would gnaw on everything that he could find. He chewed pens, crayons, even puzzle pieces. He was constantly putting objects in his mouth.

Charlie’s parents sought resources without success. They visited multiple doctors and therapists and no one could offer insight into Charlie’s challenges. Then, the family was introduced to Thrive Therapy. 

Elizabeth explained that we explore the world as a newborn using our mouth to assess and learn, gaining safety along the way. Root/ Suck, one of our grasping reflexes, teaches the tongue through early movement that eventually assists in proper articulation. 

For Charlie, his fear paralysis was still active, which among other forms of withdrawal can cause a shutdown of the larynx. He was unable to draw upon his voice to express himself. Oftentimes, we see babies rely on pacifiers as a behavior that soothes the parasympathetic nervous system in times of distress. Charlie was mouthing throughout the day in an effort to calm himself. 

Elizabeth worked with Charlie in sessions supporting the integration of his defensive reflexes. By helping to bring in the parasympathetic nervous system, the limbic system can approach calm. Charlie’s parents even attended one of Elizabeth’s workshops to learn the foundations for rhythmic movement therapy so they might reinforce his movements at home. 

Recently, Charlie’s gym teacher met with his parents. He was amazed by the changes in Charlie’s patience, attentiveness and most of all, his ability to express himself. When a new skill was introduced, Charlie stepped back before thoughtfully approaching the teacher. He explained that he didn’t quite understand the technique and he wanted to learn more in order to join in. He was asking for help. He was using his voice to participate in his world and he was loving it. 

Charlie adores the adventure of travel and embraces new things with curiosity. Today, he’s asking his mom to sign up for afterschool STEAM programs, swimming and running. He’s approaching new things with confidence.

A child’s speech and language development may be impacted when primitive grasping reflexes remain active, especially those related to the mouth like Root/Suck. Defensive reflexes and fear paralysis in particular may contribute to selective mutism and feeling a lack of safety and security.