Taking it back to basics

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Welcome To The Primitive OT

Welcome to The Primitive OT! We offer occupational therapy services for children and adults, with the focus on neurodevelopmental movements, such as the integration of primitive reflexes and innate rhythmic movements, alongside traditional occupational therapy techniques.

We want to take therapy back to the basics, with an emphasis on the brain and body, and creating a strong foundation for the development of motor, emotional, sensory and cognitive functions. All treatment plans are individualised, helping our clients to achieve their goals and maximize their potential.

Have a look at our FAQs for more information on occupational therapy, reflex integration and neurodevelopmental movements.

Services

About Neurodevelopmental Movements

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Services

Services Funded By

NDIS

(plan managed and self-managed)

Medicare

Private clients

Location of Sessions

Face to face sessions in clinic

Face to face sessions at home, in Hornsby and 5km radius outside the Hornsby area

Online telehealth sessions

Services Offered

  • In-clinic/ at home assessment and intervention sessions for children, adolescents and adults with conditions including but not limited to:
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Developmental delay
  • Neurological conditions
  • Downs Syndrome
  • Physical conditions Such As Cerebral palsy
  • Dyslexia
  • Learning difficulties including reading, writing and mathematics
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Sensory processing disorders
  • Emotional, behavioural, sensory, cognitive challenges
  • NDIS Functional Assessments and Reports

Get in touch with us, today!

About Me

The Primitive OT

Hi there! I am Shivani, and I look forward to going on this journey with you! I qualified as an occupational therapist in 2011, completed my Master’s Degree in 2018, and have worked with both children and adults in a variety of settings including a centre for individuals with acquired brain injuries, an acute rehabilitation centre, a medico-legal practice, psychiatric hospital, special need’s school, and in community-based rehabilitation. I value the opportunity to be able to support and learn from my incredible clients, and am particularly passionate about investigating and working on the root of a challenge instead of the symptoms.

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FAQs

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  • ABN : 84 674 657 777
  • ACN: 674 657 777
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What are neurodevelopmental movements?

  • Neurodevelopmental movements are innate, automatic movements all healthy babies do in the womb and during infancy as long as their development is unhindered and not stressed. These movements, called reflexes and rhythmic movements, are the mechanisms that fuel the tremendous rate of brain growth that occurs during infancy. These movements are crucial for the development of the brain, sensory, motor and nervous systems.
  • Regardless of one’s age, these movements assist in wiring and re-wiring the brain to create new nerve connections and more efficient pathways among existing nerves, and for laying down the neuro-sensory-motor foundations for higher level skills such as language development, social interaction and learning. After injury or trauma, neurodevelopmental movements give us a second chance to rebuild the foundations of brain and body health.

What are primitive reflexes?

  • Primitive reflexes are automatic/involuntary movements fundamental for the development of head control, muscle tone, sensory integration and overall development. These reflexes help babies survive and thrive, and prepare the child to move against gravity. An example is the palmar grasp reflex, seen in the beautiful moment when a newborn wraps their tiny hand around your finger. By placing your finger in the child’s palm, their central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) automatically orders the baby’s muscles to react.
  • As a child grows, these primitive reflexes will slowly disappear as the infant’s brain develops and matures and the infant’s movements become more voluntary and controlled.

When do we work on primitive reflexes?

  • There are occasions where a child’s reflexes may not be integrated (e.g. due to challenges during pregnancy and birth, C-sections, injury, illness or trauma, developmental delays), meaning that they are retained, and it is important to note that reflexes that are integrated may become reactivated later in adolescence or adulthood due to trauma, injury, illness, or stress. Retained primitive reflexes can potentially impact a person's motor skills, coordination, sensory processing, and overall development.

What are some common symptoms for retained primitive reflexes?

  • Sensory processing issues, such as sensitivity to sound, sight, smell, touch and movement
  • Poor coordination and balance
  • Fine motor skill challenges such as in handwriting, drawing, or manipulating small objects Postural control problems
  • Delayed or atypical motor development patterns
  • Challenges with attention and concentration
  • Difficulty sitting still
  • Emotional regulation difficulties
  • It's important to note that the presence of these symptoms alone does not definitively indicate retained primitive reflexes. A comprehensive assessment by a qualified healthcare professional, such as an occupational therapist or a developmental paediatrician, is necessary to accurately diagnose and address retained primitive reflexes

How can we help to integrate these retained reflexes

  • Rhythmic movement training techniques using innate rhythmic movements
  • Daily exercises and activities targeting specific reflexes
  • Home programmes tailored to each client’s needs