In this episode, we dive into how to recognize retained primitive reflexes and what they mean for your child’s development. You’ll learn to:
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Reflex Integration
00:15 Understanding Primitive Reflexes
01:58 Identifying Retained Reflexes
03:51 Observing and Collecting Data on Student Behavior
05:43 Parental Guidance and Data Collection
07:02 RITP Resources and Programs
08:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
🎯 Resources Mentioned:
25% OFF:📘 Integrating Primitive Reflexes Through Play and Exercise book series🔗 Learn more: ritp.info/books📱 RITP App – home and school tools for therapists and families🔗 Download the app: ritp.info/app
📌 Resources & Links
In this episode, we dive into how teachers can support students with reflex integration in the classroom. You’ll learn to:
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Reflex Patterns and Child Development00:44 Identifying Signs of Retained Reflexes in Students03:06 Challenges in the Classroom Due to Retained Reflexes04:26 Observing and Collecting Data on Student Behavior05:49 Impact of Reflex Retention on Behavior and Academics09:24 Classroom-Friendly Activities for Reflex Integration14:29 Implementing Reflex Integration Programs in Schools17:50 Collaboration Between Teachers and Therapists21:38 Encouragement and Resources for Teachers26:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
🎯 Resources Mentioned:
✏️ Reflex Integration Through Play at School: https://ritp.info/school📘 Integrating Primitive Reflexes Through Play and Exercise book series🔗 Learn more: www.integratingreflexes.com📱 RITP App – home and school tools for therapists and families🔗 Download the app: ritp.info/app
Learn more about the Reflex Integration Through Play™ Certification program: https://ritp.info/certification
Previous episodes and resources: RITP Podcast
Learn how to create a simple, effective, and play-based home program that strengthens your child’s motor, sensory, and emotional development. Discover practical tips for parents to turn everyday routines into opportunities for growth, connection, and joy.💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why home programs are essential for lasting progress• How repetition and play strengthen brain-body connections• Simple daily movement routines parents can easily implement• Step-by-step strategies for building consistency and engagement• How the RITP Books and App make home practice easy, fun, and effectiveWhether you’re a parent, therapist, or educator, this episode will empower you to make small, consistent changes that lead to big developmental wins. Because when parents lead with play, children thrive.🎯 Resources Mentioned:📘 Integrating Primitive Reflexes Through Play and Exercise book series🔗 Learn more: www.integratingreflexes.com📱 RITP App – home and school tools for therapists and families🔗 Download the app: ritp.info/app
Watch how play, patience, and RITP is helping a little boy grow into a confident, curious, and strong young man!Today Sarah Wen shares her journey as the mother of 4-year-old Robert, who faced challenges with motor planning, muscle tone, and emotional regulation, with Kokeb. Through Reflex Integration Through Play™ (RITP), Sarah found a supportive, play-based approach that helped Robert build strength, confidence, and independence. From learning to ride a bike to thriving in social settings and even managing daily routines with joy, Robert’s transformation has reshaped his entire family dynamic. Sarah highlights the power of incorporating exercises into everyday life, the role of the RITP app in keeping consistency and motivation high, and the peace that comes from seeing her son flourish.Whether you’re a parent, therapist, or educator, this testimony shines a light on how RITP can make an incredible difference for children struggling with retained reflexes, motor planning delays, or emotional regulation.Episode Highlights
00:00 Meet Sarah Wen and her son Robert01:00 Early challenges: torticollis, plagiocephaly, weak muscle tone, and emotional regulation struggles02:30 How motor planning delays affected confidence and social life04:00 First impressions and hesitation about RITP05:00 How a school OT introduced the family to reflex integration therapy06:00 Play-based therapy using cars and favorite toys to motivate Robert07:00 The RITP app: making home exercises fun and manageable09:00 Building exercises into daily routines (bedtime, reading, hallway games)10:00 Overcoming initial reluctance with sticker charts and progress motivation12:00 Breakthroughs: independence, bike riding, better sleep, trying new activities14:00 Emotional, physical, social, and academic improvements16:00 Transformation in family dynamics and home life17:00 Positive feedback from teachers, peers, and grandparents18:00 Reduced parental stress and healthier family rhythms19:00 Sarah’s encouragement to other parents considering RITP20:00 Final reflections: three words that describe Robert now
👩🏽🎓 FOR THERAPISTS 👨🏼🎓For pediatric OTs and service providers, our 5-step Reflex Integration Through Play™️ program will give you the knowledge, tools, and experience to confidently help your clients reach their developmental goals with less stress, while having more fun. https://ritp.info/therapists👩👧👦 FOR PARENTS 👨👧👧Working to integrate reflexes at home? Get the 7 Steps to an At-Home Therapy Program for free in your inbox. https://ritp.info/7-steps📱RITP Reference App📱Check out our Reflex Integration Through Play mobile app, with all our exercises, including videos!https://ritp.info/app📚BOOKS📚 https://amzn.to/3R1hoE5Our best-selling Reflex Integration Through Play book series is available now!✅ Moro Reflex✅ Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex ✅ Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex ✅ Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex ✅ Spinal Galant Reflex🌟COMMUNITY🌟 Connect with us inside our FREE Facebook group!https://www.facebook.com/groups/1629371470539695
With Guest: Dr. Courtney Boitano, San José State University
Reflex Integration Through Play™ is moving from clinics to classrooms—and now to the university level! In this episode, Kokeb and Dr. Courtney Boitano share how RITP is shaping future occupational therapists with hands-on, play-based training that bridges the gap between theory and practice.
Dr. Boitano - OT, professor, and capstone coordinator at San José State University - talks about integrating reflex-based, play-centered training into OT education. She shares her journey from pediatric practice to academia, how she discovered RITP, and why giving OT students hands-on experience with reflex integration creates the “missing link” between theory and practice. Together, they discuss piloting a bridge program for students, the importance of observation skills, and how reflex integration through play transforms not only classrooms but also therapy outcomes for children and families.
Whether you’re an OT student, educator, or seasoned therapist, this episode highlights how collaboration is reshaping the future of occupational therapy.
Dr. Courtney Boitano has been a practicing OT since 2007. She is currently the capstone coordinator at San Jose State University in San Jose, California. Her primary practice area is pediatrics and school-based practice. She is also the owner of OT Outside and works with children in private schools and in their homes.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Courtney Boitano and her background in pediatrics and academia
03:00 – Why reflex integration wasn’t taught in traditional OT programs
04:00 – How Kokeb’s OT Schoolhouse interview led to this partnership
06:30 – SJSU students using RITP books and games in real sessions
08:00 – Making reflex integration practical and functional for clients
13:30 – Creating a “bridge program” to mentor new OTs after graduation
17:00 – Building student confidence with mentorship and applied learning
18:30 – Shifting OT perspectives on reflex integration as functional, play-based practice
21:00 – Why results matter: transforming skepticism into support
23:00 – Reflexes as the missing link in treatment planning
25:00 – Post-pandemic challenges in pediatrics and the value of group/social therapy
26:30 – Advice for OT students and professors: the power of observation and hands-on learning
🎓 Learn more about Reflex Integration Through Play™ Certification: https://ritp.info/certification
🌐 Connect with Dr. Courtney Boitano - San José State University OT Program https://www.otoutside.com/
📘 RITP Reflex Integration Book & Game: https://ritp.info/resources
What if just six months of playful therapy could transform your child’s focus, strength, and even their spine? In this inspiring parent interview, you’ll hear how Reflex Integration Through Play™ (RITP) has changed one family’s life.
In this heartfelt episode, Kokeb speaks with Jeanine Allen, a disability attorney and devoted mom, who shares her powerful story of walking alongside her daughter’s journey with Reflex Integration Through Play™ (RITP). Diagnosed with a rare chromosome deletion, autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy, and motor challenges, Jeanine’s daughter faced overwhelming obstacles in daily life—from feeding difficulties and poor balance to limited communication and social engagement.
Through the support of an RITP-certified occupational therapist and consistent practice with the RITP app, Jeanine witnessed life-changing improvements. Within weeks, her daughter began focusing better, following multi-step instructions, and even engaging socially with peers. Over six months, her physical strength, emotional calm, and academic participation grew dramatically—surprising even her medical specialists with changes that “should not have happened.”
Jeanine’s testimony offers hope and encouragement to parents navigating similar challenges, highlighting how RITP’s playful, structured approach can unlock new levels of growth and independence for children with complex needs.
Episode Highlights:
0:00 – Meet Jeanine Allen, disability attorney and parent of an RITP child
1:00 – Her daughter’s rare genetic condition and early medical challenges
2:00 – Daily struggles with feeding, mobility, communication, and independence
3:45 – Discovering RITP through occupational therapy
4:30 – Breaking down exercises (like snow angels) into achievable steps
5:00 – Remarkable spinal changes confirmed by orthopedics
6:00 – Improvements in listening, responding, and following directions
7:00 – Using the RITP app daily at home to build consistency
8:30 – Emotional growth: reduced anxiety, more peace, classroom focus
9:30 – Physical milestones: climbing stairs, stronger grip, improved balance
10:30 – Academic and social gains—peer play, group tasks, classroom engagement
12:00 – Rapid results noticed by teachers, therapists, and riding instructors
14:00 – How the therapist tailored sessions with compassion and teamwork
15:30 – Parent stress relief and greater confidence at home
16:30 – Transformation in three words: Focused, Stronger, Less Anxious
17:00 – Why Jeanine encourages all parents to try RITP
👉 Learn more about the Reflex Integration Through Play™ Certification program here: https://ritp.info/certification
👉 Explore the RITP App for guided exercises and video demonstrations.
Are you struggling to connect reflex integration with real-life therapy goals? In this episode, Kokeb unpacks how to connect reflex integration work with meaningful functional goals in occupational therapy. While many therapists can identify retained reflex patterns, translating that knowledge into daily treatment sessions can feel overwhelming. Kokeb shares practical strategies for linking reflex patterns to functional outcomes, following developmental progressions, using done-for-you home and school programs, and embedding reflex work into purposeful play. She also highlights the importance of clinical observation, so therapists can better assess how reflexes impact movement and participation. Whether you’re working on handwriting, fine motor development, or social play, this episode will help you create treatment plans that are measurable, trackable, and truly functional.
Episode Highlights -
👉 Learn more about the Reflex Integration Through Play™ Certification Program - https://ritp.info/certification
👉 Explore the RITP App & Done-for-You Programs - https://ritp.info/app
👩🏽🎓 FOR THERAPISTS 👨🏼🎓
For pediatric OTs and service providers, our 5-step Reflex Integration Through Play™️ program will give you the knowledge, tools, and experience to confidently help your clients reach their developmental goals with less stress, while having more fun. https://ritp.info/therapists
👩👧👦 FOR PARENTS 👨👧👧
Working to integrate reflexes at home? Get the 7 Steps to an At-Home Therapy Program for free in your inbox. https://ritp.info/7-steps
📱RITP Reference App📱
Check out our Reflex Integration Through Play mobile app, with all our exercises, including videos! https://ritp.info/app
📚BOOKS📚
Our best-selling Reflex Integration Through Play book series is available now: https://amzn.to/3R1hoE5
!✅ Moro Reflex
✅ Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex
✅ Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex
✅ Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex
✅ Spinal Galant Reflex
🌟COMMUNITY🌟
Connect with us inside our FREE Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1629371470539695
ReflexIntegration #OccupationalTherapy #PediatricOT #FunctionalSkills #ChildDevelopment #Reflexes #TherapistTips #ReflexIntegrationThroughPlay #RITP #PediatricTherapy
SUBSCRIBE to our channel to receive free occupational therapy resources.
Ever feel like you spend more time planning than treating? In this episode, Kokeb McDonald tackles the overwhelm many pediatric OTs face when it comes to treatment planning. Instead of drowning in endless prep work and scattered resources, discover how to create clear, focused, and effective session plans that prioritize progress. Kokeb shares practical strategies like starting with targeted screenings, applying the “one thing” approach, embedding repetition and carryover through home and classroom programs, collaborating with the child’s team, and incorporating the child’s personal interests for better engagement. Learn how to simplify your planning so you can focus on what matters most—helping kids thrive.Episode Highlights- 00:00 – Why pediatric OTs feel overwhelmed with treatment planning- 01:00 – How a targeted screening (like the RITP Screening Checklist) sets the foundation- 02:00 – Choosing 1–3 goals per session for clarity and success- 03:00 – Applying the “one thing” approach from *The One Thing*- 04:00 – Embedding repetition and carryover through home and classroom programs- 05:00– Leveraging the RITP app’s done-for-you programs- 06:00 – Collaborating with parents, educators, and other service providers- 07:00 – Tailoring treatment to a child’s personal interests for better motivation- 08:30 – How to involve the child directly in home practice- 09:00 – Wrapping up: streamlining planning to reduce burnout and improve outcomesResources Mentioned- 👉 Learn more about the Reflex Integration Through Play™ Certification program: [ritp.info/certification](https://ritp.info/certification)- *The One Thing* by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan👩🏽🎓 FOR THERAPISTS 👨🏼🎓For pediatric OTs and service providers, our 5-step Reflex Integration Through Play™️ program will give you the knowledge, tools, and experience to confidently help your clients reach their developmental goals with less stress, while having more fun. https://ritp.info/therapists👩👧👦 FOR PARENTS 👨👧👧Working to integrate reflexes at home? Get the 7 Steps to an At-Home Therapy Program for free in your inbox. https://ritp.info/7-steps📱RITP Reference App📱Check out our Reflex Integration Through Play mobile app, with all our exercises, including videos!https://ritp.info/app📚BOOKS📚 https://amzn.to/3R1hoE5Our best-selling Reflex Integration Through Play book series is available now!✅ Moro Reflex✅ Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex ✅ Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex ✅ Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex ✅ Spinal Galant Reflex🌟COMMUNITY🌟 Connect with us inside our FREE Facebook group!https://www.facebook.com/groups/1629371470539695 #PediatricOT #ReflexIntegration #RITP #OccupationalTherapy #ChildDevelopment #OTTreatmentPlanning #OTTips #TherapyTools #OTBurnoutPrevention #SensoryIntegrationSUBSCRIBE to our channel to receive free occupational therapy resources.
What if that child’s “attention problem” isn’t ADHD or behavior at all—but a hidden vision challenge that’s been overlooked? In this episode of the Reflex Integration Through Play™ podcast, pediatric OT Kokeb McDonald uncovers the surprising link between visual skills, primitive reflexes, and attention, sharing research, real-life examples, and strategies every therapist and educator should know.
While many children (and adults) are referred for self-regulation or sensory issues, underlying visual skills—rather than vision clarity—may be the real culprit. Kokeb shares research linking visual problems to ADHD-like symptoms, explains how primitive reflexes impact vision and attention, and outlines what therapists should look for in holistic screenings. You’ll also learn practical ways to identify signs of visual fatigue, task avoidance, and postural challenges so interventions can be more effective from the start. This episode encourages therapists to consider vision as part of the “whole child” approach and provides resources to help you sharpen your clinical skills.
Episode Highlights -
01:00 – Why “visual” is different from “vision”
03:00 – Attention as a whole-body skill, not just cognitive
05:00 – How postural control and vestibular input affect focus
06:00 – Signs of visual attention challenges: gaze shifts, fatigue, distractibility
08:00 – Task avoidance and fine motor impacts
09:00 – How retained reflexes interfere with vision and attention
11:00 – The role of peripheral vision and spatial awareness in safety and anxiety
12:00 – Research linking visual problems to ADHD-like symptoms
14:30 – Why vision screening is part of RITP’s holistic approach
16:00 – Case example: attention challenges tied to visual deficits
17:00 – Importance of screening across all developmental domains
18:30 – Collaborating with specialists and educating parents
19:30 – Whole-child approach to attention: integrating vision screening into treatment plans
Links and Resources Mentioned -
**https://www.visiondevelopmentcenter.com/best-eye-exam-is-vision-exam/vision-therapy-for-add-adhd-eyes-attention-disorders/**
**https://www.aoa.org/news/inside-optometry/aoa-news/aoa-president-champions-back-to-school-eye-exams-in-nationwide-media-blitz**
👉 Learn more about the Visual Skills and Primitive Reflexes course here: https://ritp.info/visual
👉 Learn about the RITP Certification Program: https://ritp.info/certification
👩🏽🎓 FOR THERAPISTS 👨🏼🎓
For pediatric OTs and service providers, our 5-step Reflex Integration Through Play™️ program will give you the knowledge, tools, and experience to confidently help your clients reach their developmental goals with less stress, while having more fun. https://ritp.info/therapists
👩👧👦 FOR PARENTS 👨👧👧
Working to integrate reflexes at home? Get the 7 Steps to an At-Home Therapy Program for free in your inbox. https://ritp.info/7-steps
📱RITP Reference App📱Check out our Reflex Integration Through Play mobile app, with all our exercises, including videos! https://ritp.info/app
Connect with us inside our FREE Facebook group!https://www.facebook.com/groups/1629371470539695
SUBSCRIBE to receive free occupational therapy resources.
It wasn’t until Kokeb took her own children to a vision therapist that everything clicked. What she discovered changed how she viewed reflex integration—and how it could transform outcomes for other kids, too.
In this episode of the Reflex Integration Through Play™️ podcast, host Kokeb McDonald explores how unintegrated primitive reflexes can disrupt visual development in children—often leading to behavioral, learning, or postural challenges in the classroom. Sharing personal experience as both a pediatric OT and a parent, Kokeb discusses how early visual issues like poor eye teaming and tracking can be misdiagnosed as attention disorders, and why a holistic assessment approach is crucial. She outlines several reflexes—such as ATNR, STNR, TLR, and the Landau reflex—and their impact on visual coordination, posture, balance, and functional classroom skills.
Kokeb encourages therapists, educators, and parents to work collaboratively with vision therapists and emphasizes the importance of functional-based reflex screening. Whether you're a therapist seeking better evaluation tools, a parent wanting answers, or an educator noticing attention issues in the classroom, this episode highlights the critical (but often overlooked) link between vision and reflex integration.
Episode highlights:
Episode Links:
**https://www.visiondevelopmentcenter.com/best-eye-exam-is-vision-exam/vision-therapy-for-add-adhd-eyes-attention-disorders/**
**https://www.aoa.org/news/inside-optometry/aoa-news/aoa-president-champions-back-to-school-eye-exams-in-nationwide-media-blitz**
👉 Learn more about the Visual Skills and Primitive Reflexes course here: https://ritp.info/visual
👉 Learn about the RITP Certification Program: https://ritp.info/certification
👩🏽🎓 FOR THERAPISTS 👨🏼🎓
For pediatric OTs and service providers, our 5-step Reflex Integration Through Play™️ program will give you the knowledge, tools, and experience to confidently help your clients reach their developmental goals with less stress, while having more fun. https://ritp.info/therapists
👩👧👦 FOR PARENTS 👨👧👧
Working to integrate reflexes at home? Get the 7 Steps to an At-Home Therapy Program for free in your inbox. https://ritp.info/7-steps
📱RITP Reference App📱Check out our Reflex Integration Through Play mobile app, with all our exercises, including videos! https://ritp.info/app
Connect with us inside our FREE Facebook group!https://www.facebook.com/groups/1629371470539695
SUBSCRIBE to receive free occupational therapy resources.
In this eye-opening episode of the Reflex Integration Through Play™ podcast, host Kokeb McDonald dives into one of the most misunderstood and under-assessed areas in child development—functional vision. You’ll learn why passing a 20/20 vision test doesn’t necessarily mean a child can see well enough to learn, focus, and thrive. Kokeb breaks down the three critical components of vision: acuity, efficiency, and processing, and explores how retained primitive reflexes—like the ATNR and TLR—can affect a child’s visual development and performance. She also explains the importance of collaborating with vision specialists, recognizing red flags in both children and adults, and using purposeful, play-based activities to support visual development.
You’ll walk away with practical strategies to observe visual inefficiencies, partner effectively with other professionals, and implement the RITP play-based approach using the Visual Skills & Primitive Reflex Development Course, with a live training and Q&A coming up August 22.
Episode highlights:
Important research on vision:
👉 Visual Skills and Primitive Reflex Development Course https://www.integratingreflexes.com/courses/visual-skill-and-primitive-reflex-development/
👉 Certification Program Link: https://ritp.info/certification
👩🏽🎓 FOR THERAPISTS 👨🏼🎓For pediatric OTs and service providers, our 5-step Reflex Integration Through Play™️ program will give you the knowledge, tools, and experience to confidently help your clients reach their developmental goals with less stress, while having more fun. https://ritp.info/therapists👩👧👦 FOR PARENTS 👨👧👧Working to integrate reflexes at home? Get the 7 Steps to an At-Home Therapy Program for free in your inbox. https://ritp.info/7-steps📱RITP Reference App📱Check out our Reflex Integration Through Play mobile app, with all our exercises, including videos!https://ritp.info/app📚BOOKS📚 https://amzn.to/3R1hoE5Our best-selling Reflex Integration Through Play book series:✅ Moro Reflex✅ Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex ✅ Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex ✅ Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex ✅ Spinal Galant Reflex🌟COMMUNITY🌟 Connect with us inside our FREE Facebook group!https://www.facebook.com/groups/1629371470539695 SUBSCRIBE to receive free occupational therapy resources.
Kokeb McDonald builds on a recent Q&A session from inside the RITP Certification Program to offer a deeper, more holistic approach to pediatric screening. Beyond simply identifying retained reflexes, Kokeb highlights three essential areas that every therapist should be considering during evaluations: reflex patterns, functional movement, and developmental/social connection. You’ll learn how to spot compensation patterns, why observing children in natural play environments is so crucial, and how movement, milestones, and communication all work together for effective treatment planning. Whether you're a therapist, clinic owner, educator, or parent, this episode is packed with insight you can start using today!
🔗 – Learn more about our RITP Certification Program: https://ritp.info/certification
Episode Highlights
[02:00] The big picture: reflex integration is just one part of the screening process
[03:00] Screening for reflex patterns—what to look for
[04:30] Observing compensations and overflows during testing
[05:00] Structured vs. natural environments in reflex screening
[05:45] Functional movement: sit-to-stand, crawling, and posture
[06:45] Recognizing how retained reflexes can affect classroom behavior
[07:30] Developmental milestones: what was skipped or delayed?
[08:15] Quality of movement vs. just hitting milestones
[08:50] Emotional and social connections in screening—how the child interacts
[09:30] Body awareness, joint attention, and expressive ability
[10:00] Sensory processing and the foundation of reflex integration
[11:30] Building personalized treatment plans through observation and data
#PediatricTherapy #ReflexIntegration #OccupationalTherapy #RITP #SensoryProcessing #DevelopmentalMilestones #FunctionalMovement #ParentSupport #TherapyTools #ChildDevelopment #RITPPodcast
In this powerful episode, Kokeb McDonald is joined once again by Fran Rubio-Katz to tackle a universal challenge: how to handle ourselves when we feel emotionally triggered—whether as therapists, educators, or parents. Drawing from the Conscious Discipline brain state model and their real-life experiences in classrooms and clinics, Fran and Kokeb explore how to shift from reactive to responsive, how to teach emotional regulation through modeling, and why self-awareness is the foundation of mindful service. Fran shares practical steps like breathing, affirmations, and self-talk that re-center you during difficult moments, while also modeling emotional safety for the children in your care.
They also discuss:
Whether you’re a therapist, parent, or teacher, you’ll leave this episode with calming tools and a renewed perspective on how to show up with intention and connection—even when things get tough.
You’ll also get a sneak peek at Fran’s powerful workshop, Mindfulness in Action: A Toolkit for Calm, Connection & Co-Regulation, now available through RITP.
Episode Highlights
#MindfulnessInAction #EmotionalRegulation #ConsciousDiscipline #TherapistSupport #TeacherTools #ParentingTips #Triggered #CalmAndConnected #MindfulParenting #OccupationalTherapy #EarlyChildhood #TraumaInformedCare #RITPCertification #RegulateBeforeYouEducate #ServiceProviderSupport
🔗 Mindfulness in Action: A Toolkit for Calm, Connection, and Co-regulation
Available anytime through the RITP website: https://ritp.info/certification
This training supports parents, educators, and service providers in learning how to regulate their nervous systems and model emotional resilience.
🎓 Learn More With Our Reflex Integration Course
Dive deeper into reflex integration strategies with our comprehensive certification program. Perfect for therapists, educators, and professionals seeking to expand their skills.
Visit: https://ritp.info/certification
🌟COMMUNITY🌟Connect with us inside our FREE Facebook group!https://www.facebook.com/groups/1629371470539695
In this heartfelt and informative episode, Kokeb shares a special archived interview with homeschool mom Holly Anderson, whose daughter struggled with unintegrated primitive reflexes affecting her eye tracking and reading. Holly opens up about their family’s discovery process, the challenges they faced, and the creative, affordable ways they’ve implemented reflex integration at home. She also shares how RITP books provided the guidance and variety she needed to support her daughter’s neurological development. Whether you're a homeschooling parent, a therapist, or just someone curious about how reflex integration can fit into daily life, this conversation is packed with encouragement, practical tips, and honest reflections.
🕒 Episode Highlights:
👩👧👦 FOR PARENTS 👨👧👧Working to integrate reflexes at home? Get the 7 Steps to an At-Home Therapy Program for free in your inbox. https://ritp.info/family
👩🏽🎓 FOR THERAPISTS 👨🏼🎓 Learn More With RITP
Dive deeper into reflex integration strategies with our comprehensive certification program. Perfect for therapists, educators, and professionals seeking to expand their skills. Our 5-step Reflex Integration Through Play™️ program will give you the knowledge, tools, and experience to confidently help your clients reach their developmental goals with less stress, while having more fun. Get our FREE webinar https://ritp.info/live
In this follow-up to their impactful conversation, Kokeb and Fran Rubio-Katz (aka Coach Franny) dive deeper into the transformative idea of “Quit Taking It Personally” (QTIP), a tool rooted in Conscious Discipline. Fran shares personal stories and professional strategies to help therapists, teachers, and parents shift away from behavior-based expectations and lean into co-regulation, connection, and collaboration. They explore how taking things personally can impact your energy, your sessions, and your relationships—with children, students, and clients—and what to do instead. From embracing a mindset of curiosity to letting go of control, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone supporting children with complex needs.
Fran also introduces key concepts from the upcoming Mindfulness in Action: A Toolkit for Calm, Connection, and Co-Regulation training—designed to equip you with actionable tools and language to bring these ideas to life.
#RITPpodcast #ReflexIntegration #ConsciousDiscipline #QTIP #TherapistSupport #ParentingTools #CoRegulation #MindfulnessForKids #SpecialNeedsSupport #BehaviorIntervention #TraumaInformedCare #OccupationalTherapy #TherapyTools #EarlyChildhoodEd #NeurodivergentSupport #CollaborationOverCompliance #MindfulParenting #EducationalTherapy #FranAndKokeb #StructureAndNurture
Highlights:
[00:00] Defining QTIP and how it helps shift your mindset
[02:00] A story of using a physical Q-tip to stay grounded during tough sessions
[03:30] “It’s not about you” – why ego can block authentic service and connection
[05:00] Goal-setting without pressure—especially for kids on the autism spectrum
[07:30] Meeting clients where they are vs. needing to “succeed” in a session
[09:00] Coaching tip: Focus on expectations, not behaviors
[10:30] Prioritizing safety and co-creating solutions with kids
[13:00] Collaboration over compliance—why connection fosters flow
[17:00] Why teaching problem-solving matters more than getting kids to “follow rules”
[20:00] Rewiring your own mindset—why the homework matters
[22:00] From authoritarian to authoritative: balancing structure and nurture
[26:00] Workshop invitation – build skills, get tools, and start implementing now!
**** Register here ****
Reflex Integration Through Play - Mindfulness in Action: A Toolkit for Calm, Connection & Co-Regulation - Reflex Integration Through Play
A four-part series for parents, educators, and pediatric professionals—including OTs, PTs, and SLPs. Learn how to show up calm, steady, and ready to co-regulate—even when things get hard.
In this enlightening conversation, Kokeb is joined by Fran Rubio-Katz—also known as Coach Franny—for a deep dive into the emotional and physiological layers of supporting children through behavioral challenges. Fran, a seasoned educator and coach, shares her powerful "Is it the water or the fish?" metaphor that helps reframe how we interpret children’s behavior. Together, they explore the vital connection between co-regulation, nervous system awareness, and therapeutic success. You’ll hear how Fran and Kokeb’s partnership is bringing together top-down and bottom-up strategies for a holistic approach—and why breathwork, nervous system literacy, and mindful(ish) parenting or teaching can make all the difference. Plus, get a preview of Fran’s upcoming 4-week program designed to help parents, therapists, and educators build resilience and calm in their own lives and practices.
🎧 Whether you're a therapist, educator, or parent—this episode is packed with powerful takeaways and a practical, compassionate framework for supporting both children and the adults who care for them.
#ReflexIntegration #MindfulnessInAction #PrimitiveReflexes #CoRegulation #ChildBehavior #NervousSystemHealth #TraumaInformedCare #ParentSupport #EducatorTools #TherapistSupport #ConsciousParenting #RITPPodcast #FranRubioKatz #EmotionalRegulation #KokebMcDonald #HealingThroughPlay #BehaviorReframed
Highlights -
00:00 – Why Kokeb invited Fran to collaborate with the RITP community
02:00 – Meet Coach Franny: Educator, parent, and emotional-behavioral coach
04:30 – The need for both bottom-up (reflex) and top-down (coaching) approaches
07:00 – Fran’s discovery of MNRI and her emotional reaction to learning about reflexes
10:00 – The therapist’s dilemma: Great plans don’t always reach dysregulated children
13:00 – “Is it the water or the fish?” A metaphor for environmental vs. internal behavior
16:00 – Exploding, imploding, or breathing: how adults process stress
20:00 – Practical advice for therapists, educators, and parents
29:00 – Introducing “Mindfulness in Action”: a 4-week program to reset and reframe**
34:00 – What does being “mindful-ish” really mean—and why it works
37:00 – Coaching calls, real-time support, and how to join the July program
** Register here **
Reflex Integration Through Play - Mindfulness in Action: A Toolkit for Calm, Connection & Co-Regulation - Reflex Integration Through Play
A four-part series for parents, educators, and pediatric professionals—including OTs, PTs, and SLPs. Learn how to show up calm, steady, and ready to co-regulate—even when things get hard.
In this episode, Kokeb explains three closely linked reflexes that play a pivotal role in early development: the Palmar Grasp, Hands Pulling, and Babkin Reflexes. These hand-based reflexes aren’t just about grip strength—they are deeply connected to core development, coordination, feeding, speech, and even emotional regulation.
She discuess how stimulation of the palm can trigger reflexive responses in both the hands and the mouth—shedding light on why you might see children move their mouths when cutting with scissors or grasping objects. You'll learn how these reflexes form the foundation for fine motor skills and how their persistence can contribute to low tone, poor posture, challenges with handwriting, speech delays, and even feeding difficulties.
Kokeb clarifies how the Palmar Grasp reflex supports integration of the Moro reflex, how Hands Pulling fosters core strength and coordinated sit-ups, and how the Babkin Reflex influences oral motor development and hand-to-mouth exploration. You'll also get insights into how to test for these reflexes, recommended exercises to support integration, and why hand strength is essential for people of all ages—including adults over 60.
Whether you're a therapist, educator, or parent, this episode will equip you with practical ideas and a deeper understanding of how these reflexes support both motor and cognitive development. Be sure to check out the companion course and demo videos in the RITP app for more hands-on strategies.
In this episode, Kokeb explains three closely linked reflexes that play a pivotal role in early development: the Palmar Grasp, Hands Pulling, and Babkin Reflexes. These hand-based reflexes aren’t just about grip strength—they are deeply connected to core development, coordination, feeding, speech, and even emotional regulation.
She discuses how stimulation of the palm can trigger reflexive responses in both the hands and the mouth—shedding light on why you might see children move their mouths when cutting with scissors or grasping objects. You'll learn how these reflexes form the foundation for fine motor skills and how their persistence can contribute to low tone, poor posture, challenges with handwriting, speech delays, and even feeding difficulties.
Kokeb clarifies how the Palmar Grasp reflex supports integration of the Moro reflex, how Hands Pulling fosters core strength and coordinated sit-ups, and how the Babkin Reflex influences oral motor development and hand-to-mouth exploration. You'll also get insights into how to test for these reflexes, recommended exercises to support integration, and why hand strength is essential for people of all ages—including adults over 60.
Whether you're a therapist, educator, or parent, this episode will equip you with practical ideas and a deeper understanding of how these reflexes support both motor and cognitive development. Be sure to check out the companion course and demo videos in the RITP app for more hands-on strategies.
** Spotify listeners - please leave comments and questions below! **
🖥️ Use the complimentary course for information, strategies, and more! Use this link to register.
📱 Explore the RITP App: https://www.integratingreflexes.com/app/
#PalmarGrasp #BabkinReflex #HandsPullingReflex #ReflexIntegration #PrimitiveReflexes #FineMotorDevelopment #SpeechTherapySupport #PediatricOT #EarlyIntervention #MotorSkills #ReflexTherapy #RITP
In this episode of our reflex integration series, we explore the Spinal Galant Reflex, a vital early movement pattern that plays a surprising role in posture, attention, tactile sensitivity, and even bedwetting. Often overlooked, this reflex is triggered by gentle touch along the lower back and can have major implications when retained beyond infancy.
You’ll learn how the Spinal Galant Reflex contributes to fidgeting, poor concentration, and nighttime accidents—and how retained reflexes may show up as tactile defensiveness, posture imbalance, or scoliosis. We’ll also discuss how to screen for this reflex, tailor your treatment approach, and collaborate with specialists such as pelvic floor and feeding therapists for best outcomes.
Whether you’re working with young children or teenagers, this episode includes practical insights, helpful screening tips, and guidance on appropriate exercises for different ages and developmental levels.
#ReflexIntegration #SpinalGalantReflex #PrimitiveReflexes #Neurodevelopment #PediatricOT #SensoryProcessing #ChildDevelopment #FidgetingInClass #BedwettingSolutions #TactileDefensiveness #MotorDevelopment #FocusAndAttention #TherapyTools #OTTips #RITPodcast
In this episode of the reflex integration series, we focus on the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)—a foundational reflex that sets the stage for balance, spatial awareness, muscle tone, and posture. The TLR influences how a child experiences gravity and movement, and when retained, it can interfere with everything from coordination and attention to emotional regulation and core strength.
Sometimes described as the “Anti-Gravity Reflex,” the TLR helps infants learn the difference between flexion and extension—essential for rolling, standing, and even handwriting later on. But when it lingers past its developmental window, it can result in clumsiness, trouble sitting still, poor posture, or a fear of movement activities like swinging, rolling, or climbing.
We’ll explain how the TLR shows up in daily life, what to watch for (think: W-sitting, toe-walking, or head-hanging during tabletop work), and why this reflex is often tied to vestibular issues and gravitational insecurity. You’ll also hear about targeted play-based activities that help integrate the TLR, including rolling games, log rolls, inverted play, and movement sequences that build trust in the body’s balance system.
You’ll find clear guidance on how to support a child whose TLR may still be active—and why working with this reflex can unlock better focus, posture, and physical confidence. Watch the demo videos inside our app for step-by-step movement ideas, and join us next time as we continue the journey through Book 5.
#TLR #TonicLabyrinthineReflex #ReflexIntegration #ChildDevelopment #PrimitiveReflexes #PediatricTherapy #OccupationalTherapy #MotorSkills #BalanceAndCoordination #EarlyIntervention #SensoryPlay #RITP
In this episode of our reflex integration series, we turn our attention to the Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)—a crucial building block for early development that plays a major role in posture, crawling, visual tracking, and classroom learning. Often called the “Learning Reflex,” the STNR helps children develop the coordination needed to move from lying on their tummy to crawling on all fours and eventually sitting upright. But when this reflex is retained beyond infancy, it can cause a variety of challenges, including poor posture at a desk, difficulty copying from the board, limited body awareness, and visual tracking issues.
We’ll break down how the STNR works, how it differs from the ATNR, and what it looks like when it’s still present in older children. You’ll learn how to spot red flags like slouching, sitting on heels, or collapsing at the elbows during crawling. We’ll also discuss the connection between the STNR and other reflexes like the TLR and palmar grasp, and explain how these reflexes work together to support motor planning and learning readiness. You’ll hear suggestions for simple and effective exercises—like Cat-Cow stretches, crawling games, and scooter board activities—as well as how to adapt those activities based on age and physical ability.
Whether you’re a pediatric therapist, educator, or parent looking for practical tools to support a child’s growth, this episode will help you better understand how reflexes impact learning and development. Be sure to check out the videos inside our app to see these exercises in action, and stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll explore Book 4 and the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR).
SHOP THE RITP APP: https://www.integratingreflexes.com/app/
Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: Why STNR matters
01:15 – STNR explained: the “Learning Reflex”
03:00 – Crawling, posture & integration
05:15 – Red flags in classroom posture
07:00 – Recommended exercises & motor planning
10:00 – Adapting for age groups
11:25 – STNR & visual tracking
12:00 – What’s next: Preview of Book 4 (TLR)
#ReflexIntegration #PrimitiveReflexes #ATNR #ReflexIntegrationThroughPlay #PediatricTherapy #PediatricOT #OccupationalTherapy #SensoryProcessing #TherapyThroughPlay #DevelopmentalMilestones #Neurodevelopment #ChildDevelopment #TherapistResources #SchoolBasedOT #TherapyGoals #ChildDevelopmentGoals #MovementMatters #BrainBodyConnection #InclusiveEducation #NeurodevelopmentalTherapy #SensoryIntegration #EarlyIntervention #ParentSupport #ADHDSupport #VisualProcessingDisorder
