Brain Connex Therapy/Brain Development for Function: Parts 1 & 2

Learn the Brain Connex Method for Primitive Reflex Integration & Brain Hemispheric Balance

This course includes both part 1 & part 2

Help transform children's lives and create successful outcomes by learning how to utilize our proven techniques. In this online course, you'll learn how to implement programs for both primitive reflex integration & brain hemispheric balance. Start seeing lasting changes in your client's immediately!  

*Online course consists of 8 modules that each take approximately 2 hours to work through.
*Learn at your own pace.
*Implement strategies right away.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM OUR PROFESSIONAL TRAINING COURSE:

  • Module ONE: education in brain development and primitive reflex integration and how it's related to the sensory systems and treatment for children with developmental delays, neurological conditions, and learning challenges.

  • Module TWO: we learn how to test, assess symptoms, and integrate the primitive reflexes that are inherently connected with the sensory systems via vestibular and visual input: Moro, Fear Paralysis, Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex, Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex, and Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex.

  • Module THREE: we learn how to test, assess symptoms, and integrate supporting primitive reflexes that are inherently connected with the sensory systems via the Tactile systems and whole body coordination: Rooting Reflex, Palmar Reflex, Babinski, Spinal Galant, and Landau.

  • Module FOUR: we present additional movement-based treatments that can support proper neurological development. These treatments are helpful for some children to activate reflexes through neuro-developmental movement and visual-motor exercises.

  • Module FIVE: we introduce Brain Hemispheric Integration, or what many refer to as "brain balance" history and techniques. You’ll learn how to determine weak/strong hemisphere and understand its significance for treatment.

  • Module SIX: we learn how to assess the sensory systems, and how to stimulate the weaker brain hemisphere to create balance by engaging the sensory systems; visual, auditory, tactile, vestibular, proprioceptive, and smell.

  • Module SEVEN: we present cerebellar activities that connect right to left brain to achieve full horizontal & vertical integration in the body system. Also, we cover more in-depth information on a “brain healthy lifestyle”.

  • Module EIGHT: we put all of the information together and discuss how treatment can look in-person and virtually. Discussion on how to coach parents to complete the work with education and motivational ideas.

  • $750

Brain Development for Function: Parts 1 & 2

Take your professional career to the next level using the "missing connection" in treatment: primitive reflex & brain hemispheric integration. Learn how to implement simple techniques to create significant & functional results with your clients.

See what is included in the course below.

Brain Connex Therapy is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. PD activity approval ID# 10987. This Blended/Hybrid activity is offered at 1.4 CEUs, intermediate, OT service delivery & foundational knowledge, . The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA or indicate AOTA approval of a certification or other professional recognition.

Contents

Welcome!

Course Outline
    Course Details
      Stay Connected

        MODULE ONE

        In Module One we present education in brain development and primitive reflex integration and how it's related to the sensory systems and treatment for children with developmental delays, neurological conditions, and learning challenges. Research that supports its use and the difference between a neurologically-based approach vs. traditional therapies. 

        Objectives include:
        • Pyramid of Development & Learning
        • Top-down vs. Bottom-up treatment
        • the Brain Connex 4-step Approach
        • Checklist of symptoms for general underdevelopment of the nervous system
        • How to interpret the symptoms to gear treatment
        • Introduction of Brain Lifestyle Optimization

        First download the powerpoint presentation slides and watch the accompanying video.
        Next, go through the supporting information in this section.
        Finally, take the module quiz and practice, practice, practice!
        Download First -- Module ONE Video Presentation Notes
        • 3.02 MB
        Watch First -- Brain Connex Professional Video Presentation: Module ONE
        • (1h 20m 52s)
        • 156 MB
        Brain Connex Pro - Module One (YouTube version)
          Research on Primitive Reflexes & Integration
            Typical vs. Atypical Developmental Milestones
              Developmental Milestone Checklists
                Developmental Milestones Checklist - download
                • 120 KB
                Ability Checklist - download
                • 681 KB
                Communication Checklist - download
                • 515 KB
                Signs & Symptoms Questionnaire.pdf
                • 48.7 KB
                Measure of Foundational Abilities (MFA)
                  MFA - Preschool PDF.pdf
                  • 165 KB
                  MFA - Grade School PDF.pdf
                  • 174 KB
                  MFA - Adolescent PDF.pdf
                  • 175 KB
                  MODULE ONE: Quiz
                    QUESTIONS?

                      MODULE TWO

                      In Module Two we learn how to test, assess symptoms, and integrate the primitive reflexes that are inherently connected with the sensory systems via vestibular and visual input: Moro, Fear Paralysis, Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex, Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex, and Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex.

                      Objectives include:
                      • Review research related to primitive reflexes, learning, & development
                      • Understand how to physically test tonic neck reflexes and assess symptoms
                      • Understand and practice how to integrate tonic neck reflexes via active movements
                      • Understand and practice how to integrate tonic neck reflexes via passive movements
                      • Understand modifications and alternative exercises for some reflexes
                      • Tonic neck reflexes include: ATNR, TLR, STNR + Moro and FPR


                      First download the powerpoint presentation slides and watch the accompanying video.
                      Next, go through the supporting information in this section.
                      Finally, take the module quiz and practice, practice, practice!
                      Download First -- Module TWO Video Presentation Notes
                      • 452 KB
                      Watch First -- Brain Connex Professional Training Video Presentation: Module TWO
                      • (1h 00m 07s)
                      • 128 MB
                      Brain Connex Pro Module Two (YouTube Version)
                        UPDATES 2/2023
                          Moro Reflex Basics
                            Test for Moro Reflex
                              Moro Reflex Integration Exercise
                                Extras for Moro
                                  Fear Paralysis Reflex Basics
                                    Test for Fear Paralysis Reflex (FPR)
                                      Fear Paralysis Reflex (FPR) Integration Exercise
                                        Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) Basics
                                          Test for Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)
                                            ATNR 1 Integration Exercise
                                              ATNR 2 Integration Exercise
                                                Extras for ATNR
                                                  Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR) Basics
                                                    Test for Tonic Labrynthine Reflex (TLR)
                                                      TLR Integration Exercise
                                                        Extras for TLR
                                                          Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) Basics
                                                            Testing Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)
                                                              Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) Integration Exercise
                                                                Extras for STNR
                                                                  MODULE TWO: Quiz
                                                                    QUESTIONS?

                                                                      MODULE THREE

                                                                      In Module Three we learn how to test, assess symptoms, and integrate additional primitive reflexes that are inherently connected with the sensory systems via the Tactile systems and whole body coordination: Rooting Reflex, Palmar Reflex, Babinski, Spinal Galant, and Landau.

                                                                      Objectives include:
                                                                      • Learn why we typically start all children with 9-10 primary reflexes
                                                                      • Understand how to physically test supporting reflexes and assess symptoms
                                                                      • Understand and practice how to integrate supporting reflexes via active movements
                                                                      • Understand and practice how to integrate supporting reflexes via passive movements
                                                                      • Understand modifications and alternative exercises for some reflexes
                                                                      • Supporting reflexes include: Rooting Reflex, Palmar Reflex, Babinski, Spinal Galant, and Landau.


                                                                      First download the powerpoint presentation slides and watch the accompanying video.
                                                                      Next, go through the supporting information in this section.
                                                                      Finally, take the module quiz and practice, practice, practice!
                                                                      Download First -- Module THREE Video Presentation Notes
                                                                      • 598 KB
                                                                      Watch First -- Brain Connex Professional Training Program - Module THREE
                                                                      • (1h 04m 42s)
                                                                      • 149 MB
                                                                      Brain Connex Pro - Module THREE (YouTube Version)
                                                                        UPDATES 2/2023
                                                                          Rooting Reflex Basics
                                                                            Testing Rooting Reflex
                                                                              Rooting Reflex Integration Exercise
                                                                                Extras for Rooting Reflex
                                                                                  Palmar Reflex Basics
                                                                                    Testing Palmar Reflex
                                                                                      Palmar Reflex Integration Exercise
                                                                                        Extras for Palmar Reflex
                                                                                          Babinski Reflex Basics
                                                                                            Testing Babinski Reflex
                                                                                              Babinski Reflex Integration Exercise
                                                                                                Extras for Babinski
                                                                                                  Spinal Galant Basics
                                                                                                    Testing Spinal Galant
                                                                                                      Spinal Galant Integration Exercise
                                                                                                        Extras for Spinal Galant
                                                                                                          Landau Reflex Basics
                                                                                                            Test Landau Reflex
                                                                                                              Landau Reflex Integration Exercise
                                                                                                                Extras for Landau
                                                                                                                  Passive Stimulation for Integration
                                                                                                                    Primitive Reflex Program with Pictures.pdf
                                                                                                                    • 2.3 MB
                                                                                                                    Retained Reflexes - Master Checklist PDF.pdf
                                                                                                                    • 385 KB
                                                                                                                    MODULE THREE: Quiz
                                                                                                                      QUESTIONS?

                                                                                                                        MODULE FOUR

                                                                                                                        In Module Four we present additional treatments, and a few additional reflexes, that can support proper neurological development. These treatments are helpful for some children to activate reflexes through neuro-developmental movement. We include education in neuro-developmental movements, basic rhythmic movements and vision exercises.

                                                                                                                        Objectives include:
                                                                                                                        • Learn how & why we use neuro-developmental movements (infantile movements) and when they are appropriate for your client
                                                                                                                        • Learn how neuro-developmental movements help to change the brain using a whole body approach, and help integrating reflexes
                                                                                                                        • Learn why vision is so important when it comes to brain development & the sensory system
                                                                                                                        • Understand standard visual exercises we use in conjunction with reflex integration to get better results
                                                                                                                        • Take a look at case studies using reflex integration techniques

                                                                                                                        First download the powerpoint presentation slides and watch the accompanying video.
                                                                                                                        Next, go through the supporting information in this section.
                                                                                                                        Finally, take the module quiz and practice, practice, practice!
                                                                                                                        Download First -- Module FOUR Video Presentation Notes
                                                                                                                        • 2.67 MB
                                                                                                                        Watch First -- Module FOUR Video Presentation
                                                                                                                        • (1h 08m 04s)
                                                                                                                        • 169 MB
                                                                                                                        Brain Connex Pro - Module FOUR (YouTube Version)
                                                                                                                          Log Rolls
                                                                                                                            Bauer Crawling Reflex
                                                                                                                              Rocking
                                                                                                                                Creeping
                                                                                                                                  Zoo Exercises.pdf
                                                                                                                                  • 5.47 MB
                                                                                                                                  Rhythmic Movements Basics
                                                                                                                                    Passive Stimulation Supine, Feet or Knees
                                                                                                                                      Passive Stimulation from Hip in Fetal Position
                                                                                                                                        Passive Rolling of Hips in Prone
                                                                                                                                          Windshield Wipers
                                                                                                                                            Visual-Motor Basics
                                                                                                                                              Visual-Motor Quick Assessment
                                                                                                                                                Visual-Motor Exercise Positioning
                                                                                                                                                  Visual-Motor Exercises Complete
                                                                                                                                                    Vision Exercise: Tracking & Convergence
                                                                                                                                                      Visual-Motor Exercise: Saccades
                                                                                                                                                        Visual-Motor Exercise Extra: Convergence Circles
                                                                                                                                                          Visual-Motor Exercise Extra: Figure 8's
                                                                                                                                                            Visual-Motor Exercise Extra: VOR/ATNR
                                                                                                                                                              MODULE FOUR: Quiz
                                                                                                                                                                QUESTIONS?

                                                                                                                                                                  MODULE FIVE

                                                                                                                                                                  In Module Five we introduce Brain Hemispheric Integration, or what many refer to as "brain balance" history and techniques. You'll learn how to use the hemispheric checklist along with physical traits to identify a brain imbalance. What we present in this module is based on training with Dr. Robert Melillo.

                                                                                                                                                                  Objectives include:
                                                                                                                                                                  • History of brain hemispheric integration
                                                                                                                                                                  • Research related 
                                                                                                                                                                  • Cognitive checklist to determine clients weaker brain hemisphere
                                                                                                                                                                  • Physical features assessment to determine clients weaker brain hemisphere
                                                                                                                                                                  • Basic neurological testing 

                                                                                                                                                                  First download the powerpoint presentation slides and watch the accompanying video.
                                                                                                                                                                  Next, go through the supporting information in this section.
                                                                                                                                                                  Finally, take the module quiz and practice, practice, practice!
                                                                                                                                                                  Download First -- Module FIVE Video Presentation Notes
                                                                                                                                                                  • 2.11 MB
                                                                                                                                                                  Watch First -- Module FIVE Video Presentation
                                                                                                                                                                  • (1h 11m 55s)
                                                                                                                                                                  • 142 MB
                                                                                                                                                                  Brain Connex Pro - Module FIVE (YouTube Version)
                                                                                                                                                                    UPDATES 6/2021
                                                                                                                                                                      Specific Research for Brain Hemispheric Integration
                                                                                                                                                                        Brain Hemispheric TraitsPDF.pdf
                                                                                                                                                                        • 171 KB
                                                                                                                                                                        Brain Hemispheric Master Checklist
                                                                                                                                                                        • 280 KB
                                                                                                                                                                        Postural & Sensory System Hemispheric Checklist
                                                                                                                                                                        • 139 KB
                                                                                                                                                                        The Melillo Cognitive Style Adult Assessment.pdf
                                                                                                                                                                        • 84.4 KB
                                                                                                                                                                        Child History Intake Form
                                                                                                                                                                        • 207 KB
                                                                                                                                                                        Research Paper - Functional Disconnected and Autism
                                                                                                                                                                        • 4.72 MB
                                                                                                                                                                        Research Paper - Asymmetry and ADD/ADHD
                                                                                                                                                                        • 676 KB
                                                                                                                                                                        Research Paper - Treatment for Development Disabilities
                                                                                                                                                                        • 3.77 MB
                                                                                                                                                                        Research Paper - Asymmetry & Learning
                                                                                                                                                                        • 1.34 MB
                                                                                                                                                                        Research Paper - Asymmetry in Infancy
                                                                                                                                                                        • 516 KB
                                                                                                                                                                        Research Paper - Dyslexia
                                                                                                                                                                        • 633 KB
                                                                                                                                                                        Research Paper - Functional Disconnect and Autism
                                                                                                                                                                        • 63.9 KB
                                                                                                                                                                        Research Paper - Treatment of ADD/ADHD with Hemispheric Strategies
                                                                                                                                                                        • 441 KB
                                                                                                                                                                        Research Paper - Rehab for Developmental Disabilities
                                                                                                                                                                        • 1.34 MB
                                                                                                                                                                        Research Paper - Brain Connectivity and Autism
                                                                                                                                                                        • 531 KB
                                                                                                                                                                        Research Paper - Use of Sensorimotor Program for ADHD Treatment
                                                                                                                                                                        • 330 KB
                                                                                                                                                                        MODULE FIVE: Quiz
                                                                                                                                                                          QUESTIONS?

                                                                                                                                                                            MODULE SIX

                                                                                                                                                                            In Module Six we learn how to assess the sensory systems and stimulate the weaker brain hemisphere to create balance by engaging the sensory systems; visual, auditory, tactile, vestibular, proprioceptive, and smell. We present simple techniques that can be done with minimal equipment (good for home treatment) as well as more advanced techniques that require more expensive equipment (good for clinic treatment).
                                                                                                                                                                            Download FIRST -- Module Six Video Presentation Notes
                                                                                                                                                                            • 5.06 MB
                                                                                                                                                                            Watch FIRST -- Module Six Video Presentation
                                                                                                                                                                            • (1h 49m 05s)
                                                                                                                                                                            • 248 MB
                                                                                                                                                                            Brain Connex Pro - Module Six (YouTube Version)
                                                                                                                                                                              Olfactory System Basics
                                                                                                                                                                                Testing the Olfactory System
                                                                                                                                                                                  Olfactory System Stimulation
                                                                                                                                                                                    Tactile System Basics
                                                                                                                                                                                      Testing the Tactile System
                                                                                                                                                                                        Tactile System Stimulation
                                                                                                                                                                                          Auditory System Basics
                                                                                                                                                                                            Testing the Auditory System
                                                                                                                                                                                              Auditory System Stimulation
                                                                                                                                                                                                Visual System Basics
                                                                                                                                                                                                  Testing the Visual System
                                                                                                                                                                                                    Visual System Stimulation
                                                                                                                                                                                                      Vestibular System Basics
                                                                                                                                                                                                        Testing the Vestibular System
                                                                                                                                                                                                          Vestibular System Stimulation
                                                                                                                                                                                                            Additional Vestibular Stimulation
                                                                                                                                                                                                              Proprioceptive System Basics
                                                                                                                                                                                                                Testing the Proprioception System
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Proprioception System Stimulation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Dominance Assessment
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Sensory Quick Sheet
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Extra Equipment for Sensory Stimulation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Exam Template
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 425 KB
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Research
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            MODULE SIX: Quiz
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              QUESTIONS?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                MODULE SEVEN

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In Module Seven we present cerebellar activities that connect right to left brain to achieve full horizontal & vertical integration in the body system. These activities are numerous -- we lay the groundwork for what needs to be involved in the movement so you can be creative with your clients activities. We also dig a little deeper into Brain Lifestyle Optimization and it's importance in neuroplasticity.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Download FIRST -- Module Seven Video Presentation Notes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 7.18 MB
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Watch FIRST -- Module Seven Video Presentation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • (1h 34m 16s)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 251 MB
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Brain Connex Pro -- Module Seven (YouTube Version)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Inside the autism brain: The cerebellum
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Resources & Research
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Brain’s motor hub plays unsung role in social skills, cognition
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 29.2 KB
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Research - Role of Basal Ganglia in Cognition
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 1.06 MB
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Research: Brain Health & Neuroplasticity
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Resources: Nutrition
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Resources: Movement
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Resources: Outdoors/Sunshine/Grounding
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Resources: Screentime
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Resources: Sleep
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Resources: Stress
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    QUESTIONS?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      MODULE EIGHT

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In Module Eight we put all of the information together and discuss how treatment can look in-person and virtually. We discuss FAQ's about how to educate parents on the movements, how to motivate un-motivated children, and how to individualize programs for children based on case studies we'll discuss.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Download FIRST -- Module Eight Video Presentation Notes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 2.25 MB
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Watch FIRST -- Module Eight Video Presentation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • (1h 35m 43s)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 193 MB
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Brain Connex Pro - Module EIGHT (YouTube Version)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Research
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Sample Checklist for Parents
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 40.5 KB
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Professional Training Feedback & Evaluation Form
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            QUESTIONS?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Professional Development Guidelines

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Course Title: Brain Development for Function, Part 1 & 2

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Available in self-paced, virtual format with on-going enrollment

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Provider of PD: Brain Connex Therapy, LLC

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Contact: brainconnex@gmail.com

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Instructor: Kara Rice, MOT, OTR/L

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Financial and non-financial disclosures: Kara Rice MOT, OTR/L is paid for instructing this PD course.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Target Audience: Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Physical Therapists, OTA, PTA, Kinesiologist, Chiropractors, and other movement-based healthcare professionals

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Educational Level: intermediate

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Prerequisites: prior level of knowledge in pediatrics, basic neurology, and movement-based interventions recommended, although not required.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • PD Activity Description: Learn the foundation of treatment for developing the brain from the bottom-up using a neurological approach, for children with neuro-developmental disorders.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Outline: Outline of material taught in each module can be found above.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Instructional Methods: self-study virtual format includes homework and quizzes for completion.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Cancellation Policies: we offer a full refund within 48 hours of purchase; otherwise due to the nature of digital format, no refunds will be given. Should the provider cancel the course, learner will receive a full refund.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • AOTA continuing education units (CEUs) and Contact Hours: TBD

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Special Needs Requests & Accommodations: please email brainconnex@gmail.com with any requests for accommodations.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • PD Activity Completion Requirements: learner must complete all sections of education, homework, and quizzes in order to complete the requirements for CEUs.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Learning Outcomes of Each Module: displayed above.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              DISCLAIMER:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The information provided within this program is not meant to treat any specific diagnosis, or disorder. This is not medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional before starting new movement programs. This program is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              REFUND POLICY:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Due to the nature of digital products and the immediate access granted upon purchase, all products are sold as is, and all sales are final and nonrefundable. We are unable to process refunds or exchanges for our digital products.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Thank you for your understanding.