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Thinking  C.A.P.S.  Inclusive Education Services

Thinking                  Inclusive Education Services

C.A.P.S.

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Reflex Integration Therapy

Age: 3-6 years, up to 8 years

All age groups

Reflex Integration Therapy is a movement-based approach that helps the brain and body complete early developmental processes by integrating primitive reflexes—automatic responses present at birth. 

These reflexes support early survival and motor development, but if they don’t fade in infancy (or get reactivated due to trauma), they can interfere with learning, behavior and coordination.

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Purpose:

The therapy aims to:

  • Support the healthy development of the nervous system

  • Improve attention, behavior, motor skills and emotional regulation

  • Help individuals overcome blocks caused by unintegrated or reactivated reflexes

  • Restore developmental balance that may have been disrupted by early challenges or trauma

 

Who Is It For?

This therapy is helpful for:

  • Children with learning difficulties, ADHD, autism or developmental delays

  • Adults with sensory or motor challenges, anxiety or unresolved trauma

  • Individuals who show signs of retained reflexes like poor balance, clumsiness, attention issues or emotional dysregulation
     

Reflex Integration Therapy Approaches

There are many types of Reflex Integration Programs available. We use MNRI® (Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration). Developed by Dr. Svetlana Masgutova, this approach uses specific tactile, rhythmic and reflex-based movement techniques to support the integration of individual reflexes. Through repeated sensory-motor exercises, it targets reflex maturation by harnessing the brain’s capacity for neuroplasticity.

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How MNRI Method Works:

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1. Assessment
Begin with a basic MNRI assessment to identify which primary reflexes are active, integrated or dysfunctional  (masgutovamethod.com). 

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2.Analysis
Categorize each reflex as:

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3. Planning
Develop an individualized integration plan targeting specific reflexes, incorporating sensory stimulation, rhythmic, tactile, visual, auditory, vestibular and proprioceptive techniques (masgutovamethod.com).
 

4. Intervention
Deliver the tailored exercises through in-person sessions or guided home programs. These techniques activate reflex patterns, strengthening reflex arcs and promoting sensory-motor coordination (masgutovamethod.com).
 

5. Integration & Feedback
Monitor progress via repeated assessments, observing improved reflex responses and refinement of exercises as the person builds new neural        pathways and greater motor control .
 

6. Re-assessment
Repeat basic reflex assessments to evaluate maturation and integration levels and to decide whether further intervention or maintenance is             needed (masgutovamethod.com).

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There are 3 Types of MNRI Programs

  1. MNRI Whole Body Reflex Integration Programs that impact the functional maturation of the whole body.

  2. MNRI Body System Integration Programs  integration of reflexes within specific systems in the body, specifically, the facial and upper limb systems important to developing verbal and written communication skills.

  3. MNRI Sensory System Integration Programs appropriate engagement of sensory systems in the neurosensorimotor mechanism underlying all reflex function.

For more information please refer to this website-  

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Treatment Session

MNRI treatment plans are designed based on your child’s individual needs. Some plans may be simple, while others are more detailed, depending on how many reflexes need support and how strong or weak those reflexes are. No matter the plan, the therapist will always begin with the reflexes that can make the biggest difference in your child’s daily functioning. During each session, only a few reflexes are worked on at a time. This helps your child stay calm and focused, while also allowing each reflex to get the right amount of attention to create lasting progress.

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Treatment Options

  1. Work with an MNRI Trained Resource

  2. Get Trained yourself

  3. Participate in MNRI Assessment Clinic

  4. Participate in MNRI Family Conference

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Find more information regarding treatment options on the masgutova website here- https://masgutovamethod.com/the-method/treatment-options 

 

General MNRI FAQ-https://masgutovamethod.com/learn-more/faqs 

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If you are interested in participating in MNRI Family Conference please send us an email at contact@thinkingcapsedu.com 

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Some other supplementary reflex integration therapy approaches are:

INPP (Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology)

  • Founded by Dr. Peter Blythe and further developed by Sally Goddard Blythe

  • Uses physical movement programs based on early developmental stages

  • Strong focus on addressing learning and behavioral issues related to retained reflexes

  • Often applied in both clinical and school-based settings
     

       Website Link: https://www.inpp.org.uk/ 

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Rhythmic Movement Training International (RMTi)

  • Developed by Dr. Harald Blomberg

  • Uses rocking, rolling and crawling movements that replicate infant motor patterns

  • Aims to calm the nervous system and support reflex maturation

  • Helps with emotional regulation, sensory processing, and motor coordination
     

      Website Link: https://rhythmicmovement.org/ 

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These movements help the brain and body "finish" developmental steps that may have been missed, blocked or disrupted.

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