Drawing submitted by Kara Walther, OT; See Case Study

Brain and Sensory Foundations, Port Townsend, Washington

Do you worry that you could be missing something in your approach to therapy?

Do you wish you could have a bigger impact in a shorter amount of time?

Do you want a step-by-step system that is tested, proven, and supported by evidence?

The Brain and Sensory Foundations course gives easy-to-use tools to build sensory processing, balance, coordination, speech, learning, and social-emotional skills 

See 3 min video

REAL-LIFE Results!

Watch these videos from practitioners:

Make a HUGE impact.
Learn tools for overcoming sensory issues.
Be inspired by profound and measurable results.

Extensive tools to integrate primitive reflexes, in-depth.

Facilitate effective movement programs for all ages.

Gain Confidence!
Watch children & clients transform!
Have Fun!

Course Tuition: $595 per individual

Register Here

Amazing Transformation:

Drawings done by students of
Nina Gallwey, of the Siskiyou School

Transformation for Adults Too:

You will receive:

• Research on the connection between unintegrated reflexes and learning challenges and ADHD symptoms
• Outstanding sensory integration tools
• Insight on why infant movements build learning, sensory processing, social-emotional skills, speech, and balance
• Movements and games for integrating 11 key infant reflexes  
• Innate Infant rhythmic movements for brain maturity
• Movements for reducing stress, trauma and anxiety
• Simple but powerful movement strategies for taking the stress out of goals
• Playful movements to do with children

Brain and Sensory Foundations tools are effective for helping with: 

Supporting Research, Evidence-Based Rationale for Occupational Therapy Practice and Physical Therapy Practice

Parents and therapists using these tools report increases in sensory processing, better balance, higher academic achievement, more harmony in family life, and children reaching new levels of calm, fitness, motivation, and happiness. Though the emphasis of this class is on children, Brain and Sensory Foundations tools are equally effective for teens and adults.

This course is for you if:

1. You have a desire to make a huge difference for your children and/or clients. View Case Studies here.
2. You are eager to experience for yourself the transformative, stress-busting power of innate neuro-movements.
3. You enjoy seeing measurable results and helping others!

This course is not for you if:

1. You are a professional who needs CEUs, but you do not plan to apply the tools.
2. You do not want to investigate new concepts and tools in the arena of sensory integration.

Register Now

 See what therapists and parents say here.

"Addressing retained reflexes can help so much if only therapists knew more about them. The videos were excellent, as were the many handouts and training manual. The information was presented clearly and there were opportunities to have questions answered. Overall, it was wonderful! I feel like I got way more than my money's worth!"           Laura Masciarelli, PT

"I took your Brain and Sensory Foundations class last spring. I feel that the training I received has transformed my practice and the way I approach my patients. Every child who has participated in reflex integration activities has made so much progress in the past 6 months in our facility and it has been so wonderful to have parents and kids excited about therapy!"
Nikki Kieffer, OT

"This has been a life-changing course for our family. Our son's classic ADHD symptoms are greatly reduced and I doubt that any professional would diagnose him as ADHD now. This has happened within 2 months. This course is money well spent, and the knowledge will last a lifetime for your family. Everyone stands to benefit. M.F., parent, Utah”

Course Location, Dates and Times

Location: Brigid’s Loft (Formerly Jefferson Community School building)
647 Washington St, Port Townsend, WA 98368
[second floor of older building, has stair access only and no elevator]

Saturday, Feb 18, 2023, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

Sunday, Feb 19, 2023, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

Monday, Feb 20, 2023 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

In this course, we focus on integrating reflexes with tools from a wide variety of neurodevelopmental movement methods. We learn simple movements that give children the foundation for learning, emotional maturity, speech, language, social skills, physical strength, and upright posture. The movements are ideal for teens and adults as well.

This training course is excellent for OTs, OTAs, PTs, PTAs, SLPs, vision therapists, educators, parents, health care providers, social workers, mental health, addiction and family counselors, yoga therapists, caregivers and anyone interested in neurodevelopmental movements for optional functioning. This course is introductory and does not require pre-requisites or special training to attend.

The Brain and Sensory Foundations course is approved for:

1.8 AOTA CEUs*, Contact Hours: 18 for OTs and OTAs
18 CEUs for PTs and PTAs in most states

For PTs and PTAs in qualifying states of USA:  This course is subcontracted to Redefine Health Education (RHE) for 18 contact hours. Courses subcontracted to RHE will be accepted for PT/PTA licensure credit in all the jurisdictions listed on this webpage, pursuant to regulation or direct approval: www.redefinehealthed.com/ceuinfo.

Register Now

Course Tuition:$595 per individual

Full course fee due upon registration.

Course Objectives: View here

Course Agenda: View here

Assessments and Requirements
For those taking this course for continuing education credits and/or a certificate, the following steps are required:

1. Read all pre-course handouts and attend all sessions for the full duration of the training.
2. Complete an Action Plan
3. Complete a multiple choice exam with a score of 75% or higher.
4. Actively participate in learning the movements experientially.
5. Submit completed training evaluation form.

Instructional Methods
Instructional methods included:  Lecture, training manual, power point presentation, video, experiential lab practice doing neurodevelopmental movement, sharing of experience and case studies, Questions and Answers.

IMPORTANT: All the movements we learn in Brain and Sensory Foundations should feel enjoyable and comfortable. By registering for this online course you agree to take responsibility for your own well-being; you should adapt or refrain from doing any movement that is uncomfortable and check with your healthcare provider if required prior to beginning a movement program.  

Register Here!

About the Instructor

Sonia Story trained directly with psychiatrist Harald Blomberg, MD, and kinesiologist Moira Dempsey, authors of the book, Movements That Heal and developers of the Rhythmic Movement Training (RMTi) curriculum. Sonia earned certification to instruct to the highest level of the RMTi curriculum, and taught the curriculum for 10 years. She has also learned from mentors Jon Bredal, Bonnie Brandes, Bill Hubert, Svetlana Masgutova and many other leaders in integrative movement. Sonia synthesizes numerous methods of Innate Rhythmic Movements, Reflex Integration and has further training in Developmental Movement, MNRI, Bal-A-Vis-X, Brain Gym, Nurtured Heart Approach, Nonviolent Communication and Storytelling with Children. For more information about Sonia Story, Click here.

Course Sponsor: Move Play Thrive, PO Box 676, Chimacum, WA 98325, For more information contact Sonia Story, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In the event of cancellation by sponsor, all tuition fees are refunded in full. Student registration cancelled within seven days of start date may not receive refund. Full attendance and participation is required to receive certificate. For professionals other than OTs, check with your professional licensing agency regarding CEUs.

Click here to View all Policies

Please let us know if you have a special needs request for attendance in this training course.

Though we cannot guarantee that we can provide every special needs accomodation, we will do our best to facilitate special needs.

*The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.

AOTA Classification Codes that apply to this training course:

Domain of OT-Performance Skills

Domain of OT-Client Factors

Occupational Therapy Process-Activity Demands

Important Note:
Depending on your profession, this course may include interventions and modalities that are beyond the authorized scope of your practice. As a licensed professional, you are responsible for reviewing the scope of practice, including activities that are defined in law as beyond the boundaries of practice in accordance with and in compliance with your professional standards.

Disclosure:
Sonia Story, instructor for the Brain and Sensory Foundations course, does not have any relevant financial or relevant non-financial relationships to disclose and has no potential conflicts of interest in presenting this material. Instructor receives compensation via Brain and Sensory Support Co. for conducting this course.

Drawing submitted by Kara Walther, OT; See Case Study

Brain and Sensory Foundations

This course is currently CLOSED for enrollment. To be added to a waitlist, email, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Do you worry that you could be missing something in your approach to therapy?

Do you wish you could have a bigger impact in a shorter amount of time?

Do you want a step-by-step system that is tested, proven and supported by evidence?

The Brain and Sensory Foundations course gives easy-to-use tools to build sensory processing, balance, coordination, speech, learning and social-emotional skills 

See 3 min video

REAL LIFE Results!

Watch these videos from practitioners:

Make a HUGE impact.
Learn tools for overcoming sensory issues.
Be inspired by profound and measurable results.

Extensive tools to integrate primitive reflexes, in-depth.

Facilitate effective movement programs for all ages.

Gain Confidence!
Watch children & clients transform!
Have Fun!

Course Tuition: $487 per individual

Register Here

Amazing Transformation:

Drawings done by students of
Nina Gallwey, of the Siskiyou School

Transformation for Adults Too:

You will receive:

• Research on the connection between un-integrated reflexes and learning challenges and ADHD symptoms.
• Outstanding sensory integration tools.
• Why infant movements build learning, sensory processing, social-emotional skills, speech and balance.
• Movements and games for integrating 11 key infant reflexes.  
• Innate Infant rhythmic movements for brain maturity.
• Movements for reducing stress, trauma and anxiety.
• Simple, but powerful movement strategies for taking the stress out of goals.
• Playful movements to do with children.

Brain and Sensory Foundations tools are effective for helping with: 

Supporting Research, Evidence-Based Rationale for Occupational Therapy Practice and Physical Therapy Practice

Parents and therapists using these tools report increases in sensory processing, balance, academic achievement, more harmony in family life, and children reaching new levels of calm, fitness, motivation and happiness. Though the emphasis of this class is on children, Brain and Sensory Foundations tools are equally effective for teens and adults.

This course is for you if:

1. You have a desire to make a huge difference for your children and/or clients. View Case Studies here.
   
   
2. You are eager to experience for yourself the transformative, stress-busting power of innate neuro-movements.
   
   
3. You enjoy seeing measurable results and helping others!

This course is not for you if:

1. You are a professional who needs CEUs, but you do not plan to apply the tools.
   
   
2. You do not want to investigate new concepts and tools in the arena of sensory integration.

Register Now

 See what therapists and parents say here

"Addressing retained reflexes can help so much if only therapists knew more about them. The videos were excellent, as were the many handouts and training manual. The information was presented clearly and there were opportunities to have questions answered. Overall, it was wonderful! I feel like I got way more than my money's worth!"           Laura Masciarelli, PT

"I took your Brain and Sensory Foundations class last spring. I feel that the training I received has transformed my practice and the way I approach my patients. Every child who has participated in reflex integration activities has made so much progress in the past 6 months in our facility and it has been so wonderful to have parents and kids excited about therapy!"
Nikki Kieffer, OT

"This has been a life-changing course for our family. Our son's classic ADHD symptoms are greatly reduced and I doubt that any professional would diagnose him as ADHD now. This has happened within 2 months. This course is money well spent, and the knowledge will last a lifetime for your family. Everyone stands to benefit. M.F., parent, Utah”

Course Location, Dates and Times:

Location: OT, Etc. 8344 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Suite 110. San Diego, CA 92117

Friday, Sept 20, 2019, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Sat., Sept 21, 2019, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm

Sunday, Sept. 22, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm

In this course, we focus on integrating reflexes with tools from a wide variety of neurodevelopmental movement methods. We learn simple movements that give children the foundation for learning, emotional maturity, speech, language, social skills, physical strength and upright posture. The movements are ideal for teens and adults as well.

This training course is excellent for OTs, OTAs, PTs, PTAs, SLPs, vision therapists, educators, parents, health care providers, social workers, mental health, addiction and family counselors, yoga therapists, caregivers and anyone interested in neurodevelopmental movements for optional functioning. This course is introductory and does not require pre-requisites or special training to attend.

The Brain and Sensory Foundations course is approved for 1.7 AOTA CEUs*, Contact Hours: 17

Register Now

Course Tuition: $487 per individualFull Course Fee due upon registration.

What parents and professionals are saying

Course Objectives: View here

Course Agenda: View here

Assessments and Requirements

For those taking this course for continuing education credits and/or a certificate, the following steps are required.

1. Read all pre-course handouts and attend all sessions for the full duration of the training.
2. Complete an Action Plan
3. Complete a multiple choice exam with a score of 75% or higher.
4. Actively participate in learning the movements experientially.
5. Submit completed training evaluation form.

Instructional Methods

Instructional methods included:  Lecture, training manual, power point presentation, video, experiential lab practice doing neurodevelopmental movement, sharing of experience and case studies, Questions and Answers.

IMPORTANT: All the movements we learn in Brain and Sensory Foundations should feel enjoyable and comfortable. By registering for this online course you agree to take responsibility for your own well-being; you should adapt or refrain from doing any movement that is uncomfortable and check with your healthcare provider if required prior to beginning a movement program. 

Register Here!

About the Instructor

Sonia Story trained directly with psychiatrist Harald Blomberg, MD, and kinesiologist Moira Dempsey, authors of the book, Movements That Heal and developers of the Rhythmic Movement Training (RMTi) curriculum. Sonia earned certification to instruct to the highest level of the RMTi curriculum, and taught the curriculum for 10 years. She has also learned from mentors Jon Bredal, Bonnie Brandes, Bill Hubert, Svetlana Masgutova and many other leaders in integrative movement. Sonia synthesizes numerous methods of Innate Rhythmic Movements, Reflex Integration and has further training in Developmental Movement, MNRI, Bal-A-Vis-X, Brain Gym, Nurtured Heart Approach, Nonviolent Communication and Storytelling with Children. For more information about Sonia Story, click here.

Course Sponsor: Move Play Thrive, PO Box 676, Chimacum, WA 98325, For more information contact Sonia Story, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In the event of cancellation by sponsor, all tuition fees are refunded in full. Student registration cancelled within seven days of start date may not receive refund. Full attendance and participation is required to receive certificate. For professionals other than OTs, check with your professional licensing agency regarding CEUs.

Click here to View all Policies

Please let us know if you have a special needs request for attendance in this training course.

Though we cannot guarantee that we can provide every special needs accomodation, we will do our best to facilitate special needs.

*The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.

AOTA Classification Codes that apply to this training course:

Domain of OT-Performance Skills

Domain of OT-Client Factors

Occupational Therapy Process-Activity Demands

Important Note:
Depending on your profession, this course may include interventions and modalities that are beyond the authorized scope of your practice. As a licensed professional, you are responsible for reviewing the scope of practice, including activities that are defined in law as beyond the boundaries of practice in accordance with and in compliance with your professional standards.

Disclosure:
Sonia Story, instructor for the Brain and Sensory Foundations course, does not have any relevant financial or relevant non-financial relationships to disclose and has no potential conflicts of interest in presenting this material. Instructor receives compensation via Brain and Sensory Support Co. for conducting this course.

“Bad behavior” arises from developmental delay (see important photos below)

by Sonia Story

A grandmother recently told me her five year-old grandson was kicked out of four schools in the last 15 months!

Sadly, being kicked out of kindergarten, and even pre-school, has become commonplace for many children.

It is heartbreaking.

What could be so wrong that a child this age is kicked out of school?

“Bad Behavior” is what parents are often told. They are told their child is:

Disruptive

Fighting with other children

Having tantrums

Parents are told their child will not sit still, will not join group activities, cannot focus, will not follow directions. “Frequent angry outbursts” are often part of the picture.

While all of these observations may be accurate, they are only documenting the surface of the problem. The child is stressed and parents instinctively know this. They explain, “My child gets over stimulated.”

What I wish every parent and teacher knew

What parents and educators may not know is that an over stimulated, over-reactive, “cannot-sit-still” child most likely did not have the opportunity to fully develop sufficient brain, body and sensory maturity. Usually the child experienced hindrances to development in the womb and early infancy. There are many factors that can cause a lack of movement and other serious consequences during womb life and infancy that result in gaps in development.

Incomplete development can leave a child in a stressful, “fight-or-flight” state. Hypersensitivities can then occur and disconnects arise between brain, body and sensory systems making learning difficult. Such a child is often highly uncomfortable. While trying to be still, one 5 year old boy said: “it feels like I’m gonna explode”.

When we look at a child with proper development, versus one with incomplete development, we can more clearly understand why the more immature child will struggle.

This baby has proper core strength and the head does not lag back when the baby is pulled to a sitting position. This baby has the foundation to develop good balance, sensory processing, emotional and social skills, speech and learning.

Photo courtesy of Kathleen Porter https://naturaltothecore.wordpress.com

This baby has poor core strength, and obvious head lag—the head dips below the level of the spine while the baby is pulled up. Head lag past a certain age is a sign that the brain, body and sensory systems are lacking in maturity.

The child with head lag and poor core strength typically has poor balance, struggles to focus, is hyperactive, and has sensory processing challenges. Without intervention this child will have a difficult time functioning well in school and is at risk for being kicked out of kindergarten and worse consequences as the child gets older.

Because it is not developmentally appropriate, we should not expect too much sitting still for young children. However, a child who has little or no capacity to be still at all is a child who is not ready for pre-school nor kindergarten. His neuro-sensory-motor system is not mature enough to meet the demands for learning in a school setting. The underdeveloped child has no way of controlling his body, nor his emotions. He moves constantly, interrupts and tries not to explode, but his fight-or-flight state precludes him from functioning well, and he cannot make his body do what is being asked of him, even if he wants to.

This is not a “bad” child. This is a child who is struggling with neuro-sensory-motor systems that are underdeveloped.

ADHD behavior associated with developmental delay

Research shows that underdevelopment in the neuro-sensory-motor system is linked to symptoms of ADHD. (See references below).

One of the best interventions we can provide is giving neurodevelopmental movements because these build the brain, body and sensory systems and can make up for much of what was lost in infancy. Neurodevelopmental movements are the innate automatic movements that healthy babies do in infancy when they are un-hindered. Neurodevelopmental movements are the brain’s own built-in exercise program that provide core-strength. The brain requires these same movements for developing the senses and the maturity to sit still, focus, speak, manage the emotions, and learn.

At any age, we can give these neurodevelopmental movements and reap the benefits of greater physical, emotional and cognitive skills. We can even reverse the symptoms of ADHD through consistent use of these movements, as Harald Blomberg, MD reports in, Movements That Heal, co-authored with Moira Dempsey.

Find out more about how neurodevelopmental movement has helped children and families make huge progress.

You can receive in-depth instruction in these specific neurodevelopmental movements in the Brain and Sensory Foundations courses and in the Rhythmic Movement Training courses. Expand your learning of these wonderful movements—and become a powerful force for change by helping struggling children and adults.

More information here

References

Konicarova, J., & Bob, P. (2013). Asymmetric tonic neck reflex and symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder in children. International Journal of Neuroscience, 123(11), 766-769. doi:10.3109/00207454.2013.801471

Konicarova, J., Bob, P., & Raboch, J. (2013). Persisting primitive reflexes in medication-naïve girls with attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 1457. doi:10.2147/ndt.s49343

Rubia, K. (2007). Neuro-anatomic evidence for the maturational delay hypothesis of ADHD. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 104(50), 19663-19664. doi:10.1073/pnas.0710329105

Sripada, C. S., Kessler, D., & Angstadt, M. (2014). Lag in maturation of the brain's intrinsic functional architecture in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 111(39), 14259-14264. doi:10.1073/pnas.1407787111

Taylor, M., Houghton, S., & Chapman, E. (2004). Primitive reflexes and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Developmental origins of classroom dysfunction. International Journal of Special Education, 19(1), 23-37.

Blomberg, H., Dempsey, M., & Phua, S. S. (2011). Movements that heal: Rhythmic movement training and primitive reflex integration. Sunnybank Hills, Qld.: Book Pal.

© Sonia Story 2017