Understanding Your Child’s Early Movement:
Every child is born with reflexes and early motor patterns—automatic movements that help them interact with the world and develop coordination, balance, and functional skills. In some children, these reflexes persist longer than expected or may affect posture, movement, or motor learning. 

I work with children to support these early movement patterns, helping them develop confidence, coordination, and functional movement through play and guided exercises. 

How I Work: 

• I assess a child’s reflexes and early motor patterns to understand how they may influence balance, coordination, posture, and motor planning. 

• Common reflexes include: 

• Moro reflex – helps babies respond to sudden movement 

• Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) – helps with head and arm coordination 

• Spinal Galant reflex – influences trunk movement and posture 

• Interventions are play-based, fun, and tailored to your child’s strengths and interests. 

• Activities are designed to support natural motor development, including gross motor skills, balance, coordination, and postural control. 

Evidence & Professional Transparency: 

• Research on reflex integration exercises is limited and evolving. While some studies are inconclusive, many therapists—including myself—see meaningful changes in children’s coordination, confidence, and functional movement when these exercises are included as part of a broader program. 

• All interventions are safe, developmentally appropriate, and guided by each child’s individual needs. Reflex-based activities are combined with evidence-informed physiotherapy approaches to maximize functional outcomes. 

Observed Outcomes: 

• In my experience, some children show improvements in balance, coordination, confidence, resilience, and movement tolerance when reflex and early motor pattern work is included in therapy. 

• Parents often notice positive changes in their child’s movement confidence, coordination, and willingness to try new activities. 

• Every child is unique, and responses to therapy vary. Goals and outcomes are always tailored to each child’s needs. 

Who This Is For: 

• Children with balance or coordination difficulties 

• Children with delayed gross motor milestones 

• Children who may show difficulties with posture, motor planning, or movement confidence 

• Children are cautious and fear certain movements 

What Parents Can Expect: 

• Playful, engaging sessions that feel like fun rather than “therapy” 

• Activities adapted to your child’s interests and abilities 

• Clear guidance for supporting your child at home 

• Honest communication about goals, progress, and next steps 

Getting Therapy Right for Children 

Effective physiotherapy for children is not about forcing skills or repeating the same task at all costs. Children learn best through play, positive relationships, and feeling safe, understood, and respected. 

Every child has different needs, and these can influence how they engage in therapy. Differences in communication, cognition, sensory preferences or sensitivities, anxiety around movement, regulation, interests, energy levels, and health all affect participation from day to day. These factors are recognised and respected within each session. 

Sessions are guided by the child’s cues, interests, and motivation on the day. If a child is tired, overwhelmed, or not ready to practise a particular skill, therapy may shift to a different activity or focus on another area of movement. Problemsolving, creativity, and flexibility are key. 

By following the child’s lead and creating enjoyable movement experiences, physiotherapy supports learning, confidence, and longterm engagement with movement — recognising that progress is individual, nonlinear, and that every day can look different. 

A Supportive and Individualised Approach 

Every child has their own strengths, challenges, and goals. Physiotherapy does not aim to change who a child is, but to support movement, comfort, and participation in ways that respect the child’s body, development, and overall wellbeing. 

If you are unsure whether physiotherapy is appropriate for your child, or if your child has a diagnosis not listed above, you are welcome to get in touch to discuss your concerns.