Primitive Reflex Integration through Neuroplasticity

Credit

Speaker

Karen Pryor, PhD, PT, DPT, CH, CFPS Related seminars and products

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Karen Pryor, PhD, PT, DPT, CH, CFPS, has a doctorate in physical therapy and has practiced for 40 years in the field. Dr. Pryor is the owner of Health Sphere Wellness Center, an integrative therapy clinic in Nashville, Tennessee. Involved with early intervention in the birth-three population for over 30 years, she has developed neuroplasticity techniques that are used in a wide variety of settings, including homes, childcare centers, and school systems, to advanced pediatric therapy programs.

Dr. Pryor serves on several boards, including the Leadership Interagency Council for Early Intervention (2014-2019), a position to which she was appointed by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. In 2010, she received the President's Volunteer Service Award for her contributions to the advanced treatment of children from President Barack Obama. In addition to her work with children, Dr. Pryor has served as an adjunct professor at the Tennessee State University Occupational Therapy Assistant program. She is a clinical instructor for several universities and colleges. With her years of experience and passion for complete wellness, Dr. Pryor advances a more expansive view of how to integrate therapy throughout the lifespan by using neuroplasticity techniques.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Karen Pryor is the owner of Health Sphere Wellness Center, LLC and is a field examiner for PDMS-3. She has employment relationships with Tennessee State University, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Physical Therapy School, the Daymar Physical Therapy Assistant School and the Volunteer State Community College. She is a paid consultant for Evergreen Certifications. Karen Pryor receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Karen Pryor is a reviewer with Tennessee Physical Therapy Association and American Physical Therapy Association. She is an Ambassador for National Down Syndrome Society. She serves on the editorial board for APTA Journal.

Additional Info

For live CE credit, you must watch the live webcast in its entirety at its scheduled time and complete the CE quiz and evaluation within one week. You will have access for 90 days after the program for review.

Please note: There will be a lunch and two 15-minute breaks; one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Lunch and break times will be announced by the speaker and at their discretion. A more detailed schedule is available upon request.

Objectives

1. Analyze primitive reflexes and how they contribute to development.
2. Articulate testing and influence of the retention of primitive reflexes.
3. Demonstrate the integration exercise, including modifications, for each reflex.
4. Categorize the behavioral and physical symptoms associated with each reflex.
5. Examine why the reflexes may still be present.
6. Debate what reflex integration can accomplish.

Outline

• Brain stem
• Mild brain
• Cerebellum
• Cortex -
  • Occipital Lobe
  • Temporal Lobe
  • Parietal Lobe
  • Frontal Lobe

• Demonstration of Primitive reflexes
• How retained reflexes act on developmental milestones
• Reasons for primitive reflex retention or re-emergence
• How primitive reflexes interfere with higher level skills – Reading, writing, sensory processing

• Palmar Grasp
• Planter Grasp
• Symmetrical Tonic Neck
• Asymmetrical Tonic Neck
• Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex
• Moro Reflex
• Extension synergy
• Flexion synergy

• Disarming the strength of primitive reflexes
  • Palmar grasp
  • Planter grasp
  • Asymmetrical Tonic Neck
  • Symmetrical Tonic Neck
  • Moro Reflex

1. 17 year-old anoxic male integration of brain stem functions, cranial nerves, midbrain to regain cortical functions without over riding primitive reflex patterns.
2. 8 month-old with stroke at birth, cortical vision impairment, involvement of bilateral hemispheres and symmetrical tonic neck reflex. Integration of reflexes, gained vision abilities.
3. 1 year-old hemisphere stroke. Asymmetrical Tonic Reflex integrated and able to walk and run.
4. Genetic non-myelination and smooth brain 9 month-old female with tone abnormalities, Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex. Integration and neuroplasticity therapy techniques resulted in ability to walk with rolling walker, count to 20 English, 10 in Spanish, name the months of the year and days of the week.

Target Audience

• Physical Therapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Physical Therapy Assistant
• Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Educator
• Early Interventionist

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