Developmental Movements
Targeted movement protocols that integrate primitive reflexes and support optimal brain development — at any age, from the bottom up.
Developmental movements are targeted exercise protocols designed to integrate primitive reflexes — automatic movement patterns that emerge in infancy and should naturally integrate as the brain matures. When these reflexes remain active, they can contribute to challenges with focus, coordination, emotional regulation, and learning. Our protocols support optimal brain development and function at any age.
Babies move in order to learn
Developmental movements are the natural, patterned movements babies make — especially during tummy time — that help build, organize, and regulate the brain and nervous system. While it's often said that babies learn to move, the reality is that babies move in order to learn. These early movements play a critical role in developing coordination, regulation, and the foundation for learning and relationships.
Why these movements matter
During the first year of life, a baby's brain develops from the bottom up — starting with the brainstem (survival and regulation) and building toward higher-level functions like emotional regulation, attention, and learning. When foundational movement patterns are missed or incomplete, it can create gaps that may show up later as anxiety or emotional dysregulation, difficulty with focus and attention, learning challenges, sensory sensitivity, coordination challenges, or social and behavioral struggles.
These gaps can be addressed at any age
Thanks to the brain's natural ability to change — neuroplasticity — it's possible to rebuild and strengthen these foundational patterns at any age. Through targeted developmental movement exercises, we revisit missed movement patterns, support the nervous system in reorganizing, and build stronger neural pathways. As these patterns become fully integrated, the body no longer needs the exercises — the foundation has been restored.
Does my child have developmental gaps? 10 common signs
- Skipped crawling on tummy and/or hands and knees
- Disliked tummy time
- Spent more time in baby swings, bouncy seats, bumbos, and/or carriers than on their tummy during their first year
- Walked early
- Seems uncoordinated and clumsy
- Struggles with emotional control
- Has trouble focusing
- Struggles to process what they see, hear, and feel
- Doesn't seem to know where their body is in space
- Socially awkward
If you recognize any of these signs, there could be developmental gaps. A consult is the best way to discuss whether a developmental movement program is your next best step.
What it looks like to work together
- Comprehensive assessment — a detailed evaluation to identify specific developmental gaps and retained primitive reflexes.
- Personalized home exercise program — a custom daily movement program designed to be done at home.
- Ongoing support & progress tracking — we reassess regularly and adjust the program as each stage integrates.
A general guideline is approximately 150 hours of targeted movement practice to fully integrate foundational patterns. As integration occurs, the exercises for that gap are no longer necessary.
Developmental movement rates
- Assessment (movement & retained primitive reflexes): $250
- Personalized exercise plan: $300
- Reassessment & updated plan: $200 per session
- Package: $850 — includes assessment, personalized exercise plan, and up to three re-evaluations with plan updates