Let's Get Curious with Replenishing Soul
Let's Get Curious, a podcast where moms care for each other, tackling the conversations no one likes to have. We share insights on self-care and navigate parenthood, especially for those raising neurodivergent children, creating a supportive community for all moms. Join Lori & Dorothy as they share their professional expertise as healthcare professionals along with their personal stories of mom struggles. We are moms supporting moms.
Let's Get Curious with Replenishing Soul
Episode #29: Why Crawling, Reflexes & Sensory Development Matter with Missy Broxton, Pediatric Occupational Therapist
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In this episode, we welcome back pediatric occupational therapist Missy Broxton to explore one of the most foundational — and often overlooked — pieces of child development: primitive reflexes. With nearly three decades of experience and a deeply compassionate, whole-child approach, Missy helps us unpack the “Pyramid of Learning” and why so many learning, behavioral, sensory, and emotional challenges actually begin far below the surface. From attention and handwriting struggles to anxiety, coordination, and emotional regulation, this conversation shines a light on the critical building blocks children need in order to thrive.
Together, we dive into how primitive reflexes develop, why they’re essential in infancy, and what can happen when they don’t fully integrate. Missy explains the difference between voluntary and involuntary movement patterns, the importance of tummy time and crawling, and how early experiences — including pregnancy, delivery, trauma, stress, and even container baby culture — can impact neurological development. The discussion is both eye-opening and incredibly validating for parents who may have sensed something deeper was going on with their child’s struggles.
We also explore the powerful connection between reflex integration and everyday functioning. Missy shares how retained reflexes can affect everything from focus in the classroom and reading comprehension to social skills, confidence, and anxiety. One of the most fascinating parts of the conversation is hearing how her own journey learning about primitive reflexes completely changed the way she approached therapy — and why addressing the nervous system first can unlock progress where traditional approaches may hit a wall.
This episode is packed with practical insight, compassion, and hope for parents, caregivers, therapists, and educators alike. Whether you’re raising a neurodivergent child, navigating developmental concerns, or simply curious about how early movement patterns shape lifelong learning and regulation, this conversation will leave you seeing child development through an entirely new lens.
SHOW NOTES:
Online Primitive Reflex Course for parents and therapists: Harkla
Sonia Story- Online Resources & Website: Move, Play Thrive- Brain and Sensory Foundations
Missy Broxton's Website: Building Blocks Pediatric Therapies
BOOKS:
A Teacher's Window Into The Child's Mind- By Sally Goodard
Integrating Primitive Reflexes Through Play & Exercise:
Morro Reflex: Startle Reflex
ATNR: Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex - separate left side of body from right
Spinal Galant Reflex: for bedwetting
STNR: Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex - separated upper body from lower body
Palmar Grasp & Babinski Reflex
TLR: Tonic Labyrinth Reflex
VIDEOS:
Fear Paralysis Video - watch here