The treatment programme aims to promote development of the central nervous system by inhibiting retained primitive reflexes. It consists of a combination of tactile skin stimulation and physical exercises which seek to ‘copy’ or ‘mimic’ the stimuli and movements that should have taken place naturally. As we develop initially through touch and thereafter through movement, this combination has been found to be very effective at simulating and restarting normal development of the central nervous system.
At the initial consultation, I will discuss with you the issues you or your child are experiencing. This information is complemented by the completion of a detailed questionnaire. A set of standard non-invasive tests is then carried out to assess the presence of primitive reflexes as well as the presence (or lack) of adult postural reflexes, in order to measure the existence and extent of neuro-developmental delay.
Following the diagnostic process, you or your child will be shown a skin stimulation or physical exercise to carry out at home. This will need to be performed once or twice a day by a parent, partner or self and takes between 5-10 minutes per session. Follow-up visits take place every 6-8 weeks to review progress and adapt the programme, as necessary. Each treatment programme is specially tailored to meet the needs and profile of the individual concerned.
Duration of treatment is usually 12 months according to the individual’s profile and progress, after which a 3-month break is put in place to assess how the 'newly developed' central nervous system is functioning. Following this break, some additional skin stimulation and/or physical exercises may be recommended.