Integrating Primitive Reflexes in a School-Based Setting

ONLINE EVENT DESCRIPTION

Integrating Primitive Reflexes in a School-Based Setting: Screenings, Compensation Techniques, and Treatment Strategies

Primitive reflexes emerge in utero and should be integrated no later than 2 years of age. Unfortunately, studies show that approximately 75% of school-aged children with learning disabilities have retained primitive reflexes, which are becoming more common and strongly impact how students function. This 4-hour course provides occupational therapists with a screening process to identify each of these retained primitive reflexes: MORO, Tonic Labyrinthine Neck Reflex, Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex, Spinal Galant, and Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex. Kim also provides compensation techniques and treatment strategies to help integrate each reflex covered. This course is packed with videos, examples, and strategies to help school-aged children reach their full potential.

Learning Outcomes

• State the screening process for each primitive reflex.
• List three compensation techniques for retained reflexes in the classroom to improve success with daily occupations.
• Identify a treatment exercise for each of the five retained reflexes explained in the course.
• State how to incorporate treatment activities functionally into the classroom setting to improve occupational performance.
• Differentiate between programs that are available to therapists, teachers, and parents that promote functional integration of primitive reflexes.
• List functional goals that support integrating primitive reflexes in the school setting.

COURSE SCHEDULE

11:15 - 11:30 - Sign In/Check In

11:30 - 11:35 - Introduction, review of learning outcomes

11:35 - 12:05 - Overview of primitive reflexes, risk factors, brain development

12:05 - 1:35 - Review of each reflex: MORO, TLR, ATNR, spinal galant, and STNR

1:35 - 2:35 - Review of Classroom Activities to help integrate each of the reflexes.

2:35 - 3:15 - Overview of programs that can address primitive reflexes

3:15 - 3:25 - Review of sample primitive reflex goals

3:25 - 3:30 - Resources, Q&A

COURSE INSTRUCTOR

Kim Wiggins, OTR/L

Kim Wiggins, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist with 25 years of experience specializing in pediatrics across school, outpatient, and home-based settings. She is currently a full-time therapist with a school district in upstate NY and the owner of OTKimWiggins, LLC, where she provides professional development for parents, educators, and therapists worldwide.

Kim is an experienced national and international speaker and program developer, having presented workshops and seminars on sensory modulation, handwriting, vision, primitive reflexes, motor skills, and much more since 2010. She is the co-author of Just Right! A Sensory Modulation Curriculum for K–5, author of Just Right! Jr. A Sensory Modulation Curriculum for Emerging Learners, and creator of several digital resources for therapists and educators. Her research on leadership in school-based occupational therapy was recently published in the Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention (JOTSEI).

She has been recognized with multiple awards for her professional contributions, including the NYSOTA Award of Merit for Practice in Pediatrics, the Woman of Achievement Award from the Status of Women’s Council, and the Southern Tier “20 in Their 20s” award.

Kim earned her degree in Occupational Therapy from Utica College of Syracuse University. She is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association and the New York State Occupational Therapy Association.

Outside of her professional work, Kim enjoys traveling, creative projects, board games, watching her children’s sports, and spending time with her husband, three children, two cats, and dog in upstate New York.

.4 CEUS

OT/PT/SLP EI Credits

4 PD credits through ISBE PD+