Every August, as the first day of school approaches, our house fills with a mix of excitement and nerves—mine included! As a mom, I know how easily little worries can sneak in, turning simple mornings into stressful sprints. As a counselor, I see it in the families I work with, too: the desire for a […]
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Understanding primitive reflexes can offer school counselors a powerful tool for recognizing underlying causes of behavioral, motor, and learning difficulties in students. When these early reflexes persist beyond infancy, they can subtly—or sometimes dramatically—affect classroom performance. Here are 10 essential insights, each expanded with detailed explanations and practical examples, to help you support your students more effectively.
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Primitive reflexes are the automatic, involuntary movements that all infants are born with. They serve vital survival and developmental functions early in life. By the time a child reaches about six months old, these reflexes should naturally be integrated—or “inhibited”—as higher brain centers assume control of voluntary movement. When primitive reflexes persist beyond infancy, they can interfere with a child’s development and contribute to challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, learning disorders, and social-emotional difficulties.
This article explains what primitive reflex integration is, outlines how retained reflexes can impact behavior and learning, and details safe, engaging exercises that help integrate these reflexes. We also include real-life examples and authoritative references to support mental health professionals, educators, and parents in providing complex, effective help for children.
Therapeutic swings have become a beloved tool in child therapy, offering a fun yet powerful way to support kids’ emotional and physical needs. These specialized swings go beyond playground fun – they are used by occupational and child therapists to help regulate children’s nervous systems and improve sensory integration. Therapists working with children who have ADHD, anxiety, autism, or sensory processing challenges often find that a swing can work wonders in calming a child or helping them focus. The gentle motion of swinging provides soothing vestibular input (sense of balance and movement) that can neutralize sensory disruptions and create a sense of safety. In practice, this means a child who starts a session feeling anxious or “wiggly” might relax and engage more readily after a few minutes in a therapy swing. Parents and therapists alike are recognizing that these swings aren’t just for fun – they’re valuable tools for nervous system regulation, which is the foundation for any effective therapy or learning experience.
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In a world buzzing with notifications, to-do lists, and daily stressors, crafting has emerged as an unexpected hero for mental health. Trends like tufting, clay beading, and candle-making aren’t just aesthetically pleasing—they offer a powerful way to regulate the nervous system, providing the sensory input our minds crave. Let’s dive into how these trending crafts
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Relax and Rewind: Simple DIY Sensory Tools and Techniques for Adults After a long, stressful day, it’s easy to feel drained, overwhelmed, and out of balance. Work deadlines, family responsibilities, and the general busyness of life can leave us feeling like we need a reset. But what if there was an easy, effective way to
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This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work and allowing us to bring you more valuable content. In today’s fast-paced world, understanding the relationship between mental and physical health is more critical than ever.
As therapists, understanding the nervous system is central to helping clients heal from trauma. When trauma dysregulates the nervous system, it affects emotional, physical, and relational health. By learning the science behind nervous system regulation, you can deepen your practice and help clients rediscover a sense of safety and connection. Here are five foundational insights
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Weighted blankets have gained immense popularity in recent years, particularly among parents looking to provide comfort and support to their children, especially those dealing with sensory issues or anxiety. These blankets are designed to offer deep touch pressure stimulation, which can help in calming the nervous system and promoting better sleep. If you’re in the market for the perfect weighted blanket for your child, you’re in luck! We’ve curated a list of the top best weighted blankets tailored specifically for kids.
When it comes to selecting the best weighted blanket for kids, there are several key factors to consider. These include the quality of materials, weight distribution, size options, ease of maintenance, and overall design. Let’s delve into why each of the mentioned brands excels in these areas:
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