Reflex Integration Through Play

By: Kokeb McDonald OTR/L
  • Summary

  • Welcome to the Reflex Integration Through Play (RITP) Podcast, your go-to resource for empowering therapists, educators, and parents with effective strategies to support children’s development. This podcast bridges the gap between science and play, offering actionable tools to create measurable, trackable, and repeatable treatment plans that make a real difference.
    Kokeb McDonald, OTR/L
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Episodes
  • From Helping Her Son to Helping Others: A Mother’s Journey into Reflex Integration | Ep 7
    Mar 2 2025

    In today's episode, I welcome Gaynor Ralls, a dedicated parent and Rhythmic Movement Training practitioner and instructor, to discuss her journey into primitive reflex integration and supporting children's development.Gaynor shares her personal experience with her son who faced developmental challenges and her seven-year pursuit for answers, including discovering the significance of retained primitive reflexes. Through training in Rhythmic Movement Training and other modalities, Gaynor transformed her son's live and her own career to support children more effectively.We explore the importance of ensuring children feel safe in their bodies, the challenges parents face in maintaining routines and also emphasize the vital role of play and movement in child development, urging parents to observe their children and integrate these activities into daily routines.Tune in to learn how to support your child's unique developmental needs through consistent at-home activities and professional guidance.Connect with Gaynor and get support for your family:

    https://www.facebook.com/RallsRMT

    https://rallsrmt.co.uk/10:21 The importance of play16:00 How to establish successful at-home programs22:00 Relieving the pressure on parents, the importance of seeing a specialist29:00 How to know if you've overstimulated the nervous system31:40 Working from a functional basis / holistic treatment36:43 Most important advice for a parent47:00 When to do reflex integration work

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    49 mins
  • The Connection Between Hand Strength, Precision, and Speech Articulation | Ep 6
    Feb 23 2025

    This week we discuss the fascinating connection between hand movements and speech articulation. Emerging research shows that utilizing hand exercises can significantly enhance speech production.

    I recently co-treated with a speech therapist and observed promising results when integrating hand activities.

    During the discussion, I emphasize the importance of collaboration between occupational and speech therapists, especially incorporating hand strength and fine motor activities to support speech development.

    My latest book, focused on Palmar Grasp, Hands Pulling, and Babkin reflexes is available now!

    https://ritp.info/book-6


    Also check out our companion class that goes with the book!

    https://ritp.info/class-book-6

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    14 mins
  • What are primitive reflexes? | Ep 5
    Feb 16 2025

    Today, we’re introducing the world of primitive reflexes. These innate reflex patterns, present from in utero and sometimes after birth, are crucial for an infant's survival and operate at the brainstem level.

    Examples include the Moro Reflex and Palmar Grasp Reflex, which are essential for feeding, comfort, and other survival needs.

    These reflexes respond to various sensory triggers like touch, sound, and movement. As infants grow, these reflexes become integrated into more controlled movement patterns.

    However, if these reflexes remain active, it can affect a child’s motor skills, emotional regulation, and overall development. Therefore, therapists emphasize early detection and integration. This understanding helps in creating effective treatment plans for children facing developmental challenges.

    Learn more about primitive reflexes in our free class: https://ritp.info/webinar

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    16 mins

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