Reflexes, Movement, Learning and Behaviour: Analyzing and unblocking neuro-motor immaturity | by Sally Goddard Blythe | Hawthorn Press
This book was not an ‘easy read’ for me. It contains a great deal of in-depth information. However, I would wholeheartedly agree with the idea expressed in the introduction, that ‘brain and body work together, not separately’.
There are seven chapters. Chapter One describes the primitive reflexes in great detail. Chapter Two outlines the gradual process from primitive reflexes to postural control.
In Chapter Three, the focus is on brain development. There are helpful lists and diagrams differentiating between left and right brain abilities and development during the first two years of life.
Chapter Four’s focus is on ‘the senses’. A surprising idea was that Monet’s sight defects might have influenced his style of painting.
By Chapter Four, the author is talking about a ‘reflex stimulation and inhibition programme’ designed to remedy shortfalls in development. Chapter Five concentrates on ‘Reflex Testing’, while Chapter Six addresses the question of ‘What Can Be Done?’ In this chapter, the author offers information on the type of exercise programmes that can help. Simple changes that can be made in a classroom to benefit specific children are outlined.
I found Chapter Seven illuminating. This chapter offers the history of ‘reflexes and the INPP Method (Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology)’. The story goes right back to the 17th century when ‘reflex’ was first mentioned, and also goes across several countries where research has been carried out.
The appendices are also enlightening, including a 1991 paper suggesting a possible physical cause for (s)elective mutism. This book contains a lot of terms with which I am unfamiliar, so that made the reading less fluent. There is a glossary to support the reader. I also found the frequent use of acronyms a bit confusing, but, for anyone struggling to understand children who are reluctant writers and/or readers, this book is a mine of information about possible causes and treatments.
- Sally Goddard Blythe will be delivering a keynote presentation at Nursery World’s forthcoming conference, Physical Development in the Early Years, on 7 November. Go to: www.nurseryworld.co.uk/nursery-world-conferences
