Primitive Reflexes Integration in Practice Linking Movement, Sensory Integration, and Functional Outcomes

Primitive Reflexes Integration in Practice Linking Movement, Sensory Integration, and Functional Outcomes

March 15, 2026 and April 18, 2026
7:30 am to 3:30 pm Pacific Time
1000 Veteran Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024

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Registration: UC Staff

Course Description: This dynamic, evidence-informed course explores the clinical application of primitive reflex integration with a focus on improving function in children. Through a therapeutic lens, participants will examine how retained reflexes impact postural stability, motor coordination, emotional regulation, and participation in daily routines. The course emphasizes hands -on strategies that integrate reflex work with sensory processing insights highlighting the ways in which movement and sensory input intersect to supp ort regulation, attention, and skill acquisition. Rather than addressing sensory integration as a stand -alone framework, this course weaves sensory concepts into the context of each reflex. Participants will learn to link clinical observations with developmental neuroscience, assess underlying systems, and design interventions that promote functional change. Real -life case studies, clinical reasoning tools, and reflex-specific strategies make this course highly practical and immediately applicable. 

Learning Outcomes: By the end of this class, the participants will be able to:
1. Utilize motor control, sensory integration and primitive reflex integration theories simultaneously to facilitate improvement in function and occupation -based interventions.
2.Correlate the findings from a research study to the evaluation and treatment of retained primitive reflexes. 
3. Determine how the structural development and alignment of the pelvis and trunk can impact a functional activity.
4. Choose an appropriate primitive reflex integration assessment to address a functional impairment. 
5. Select a functional and individualized goal based on a primitive reflex integration assessment. 
6. Update a treatment plan to address retained primitive reflexes that utilizes effective strategies to strengthen your client’s skills during functional activities.

Course Schedule/Agenda:

DAY 1 | 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
7:30 – 7:40 Course Welcome and Orientation
7:40 – 8:20 Organizing Reflexes Across Development & Postural Foundations 
Overview of primitive, postural, and equilibrium responses, with emphasis on posture and the role of rib cage and pelvic organization in reflex expression and movement.
8:20 – 8:45 Reflex Integration and Sensory Integration: A Shared Framework 
Introduction to reflex integration and sensory integration as complementary theories used together to understand regulation, movement, and functional participation.
8:45 – 9:45 “Finding Gravity”: Early Anti-Gravity Reflexes
Exploration of reflexes that support orientation to gravity, early postural control, and movement in sagittal and vertical planes, including Hands Pulling, Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR), Landau, and Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR).
9:45 – 10:00 Break
10:00 – 11:30 “Finding Gravity”: Early Anti-Gravity Reflexes (continued)
Clinical observation, assessment considerations, and intervention strategies related to reflexes that support organization against gravity and postural stability.
11:30 – 12:00 The Somatosensory System
Examination of tactile and proprioceptive processing as the foundation for reflex modulation, postural stability, body awareness, and motor planning.
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 1:45 The Emotional Brain and Polyvagal Theory
Exploration of the autonomic nervous system and its influence on emotional regulation, stress responses, behavior, and reflex expression.
1:45 – 2:45 Protective Reflexes and Survival Responses
Clinical examination of the Moro Reflex and Fear Paralysis Reflex, with emphasis on emotional regulation, stress reactivity, and functional implications of retained patterns.
2:45 – 3:30 Wrap-Up and Questions

DAY 2 | 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
7:30 – 7:40 Day 2 Welcome / Review
7:40 – 8:40 Neuroanatomy Foundations for Reflex Integration
Overview of key brain structures supporting movement, tone regulation, and reflex modulation, with direct links to observable clinical patterns and functional outcomes.
8:40 – 9:45 Rotational Reflexes and Midline Organization
Examination of reflexes supporting trunk rotation, bilateral coordination, and midline integration.
9:45 – 10:00 Break
10:00 – 11:30 Rotational Reflexes and Midline Organization (continued)
Clinical assessment and treatment strategies addressing rotational movement patterns and functional application.
11:30 – 12:00 Distal Reflexes and Functional Hand Use
Examination of palmar, plantar, and Babkin–palmomental reflexes and their influence on fine motor development, grasp patterns, and functional participation.
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 2:15 Distal Reflexes and Functional Hand Use (continued)
Clinical observation and intervention strategies related to distal reflex integration and hand function.
2:15 – 3:30 Case Study – Pulling It All Together
Guided discussion and clinical reasoning integrating reflexes, sensory processing, posture, emotional regulation, and neuroanatomy.

Instructional Methods: Lecture and lab

Target Audience: OT, COTA, PT, PTA

Educational Level: Introductory/Intermediate

Prerequisites: None

Completion Requirements: To earn a certificate of completion, participants must:

• Attend both courses (Parts 1 & 2). CEU approval applies to the full program and cannot be granted for individual courses.
• Complete post-course evaluation no later than 48 hours after the class. A link to the evaluation will be emailed to you following the class.
• Successfully demonstrated competency during the lab portion of the course.
• No partial credit will be awarded.

Cancellation Policy: 
Provider Cancelation: The Rehab Education Committee reserves the right to cancel a course due to low enrollment, unforeseen circumstance, or instructor availability. In such cases, participants will be notified via email as soon as possible.

Participant Cancellation: If you are unable to attend, please email [email protected] at least 7 days before the course date. This course is non-refundable.

Complaint Policy: UCLA Rehabilitation Education Committee strive to provide professional development that highlights today’s best practices. If you have complaints, please contact [email protected] no later than a week after the event and the Education Committee will review your concerns and respond to you as soon as possible. 

Accommodation Request: For questions and accessibility request, contact Joan Vicente at [email protected] or at 424-440-0369 seven days before the course date.

Instructor Bios