RMT Belfast

RMT Belfast Movement based reflex integration programme that supports children to reach their full potential 😊

Retained reflexes are baby reflexes that should disappear as a child grows, but don’t fully go away.When babies are born...
15/04/2026

Retained reflexes are baby reflexes that should disappear as a child grows, but don’t fully go away.

When babies are born, they have automatic movements called primitive reflexes (like sucking, grasping, or startling). These help them survive early life.

As the brain develops, these reflexes are supposed to “switch off” and be replaced by controlled, intentional movements.

If they stay active beyond the normal age, they’re called retained reflexes.

What it can look like:
A child (or even adult) with retained reflexes might:
💜Struggle with balance or coordination
💜Have trouble focusing or sitting still
💜Be clumsy or awkward with movement
💜Find reading or writing harder than expected
💜React strongly to sudden sounds or movement

Retained reflexes can make life seem unnecessarily challenging and lead to overwhelm and exhaustion.

Maybe you've heard of retained reflexes or these scenarios sound familiar.

Get in touch or hit the link in the bio to book a reflex assessment.

🔗The Link Between Dyslexia and the ATNR ReflexDid you know that some reading and writing challenges linked with dyslexia...
01/11/2025

🔗The Link Between Dyslexia and the ATNR Reflex

Did you know that some reading and writing challenges linked with dyslexia may actually have roots in early movement patterns from infancy❓

The Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) helps babies develop hand-eye coordination and cross the midline. But if this reflex doesn’t fully integrate as a child grows, it can make later learning tasks harder, such as:
✍️Tracking words across a page
✍️ Writing neatly and comfortably
✍️ Understanding left and right
✍️ Maintaining focus when reading

When the ATNR remains active,turning the head can trigger involuntary arm movements, making reading and writing physically uncomfortable.

The difficulties faced by children with dyslexia are very closely linked to difficulties faced by children with a retained ATNR. This study highlights the link
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15573963/

Through specific reflex integration exercises such as rhythmic movement, it's possible to help the nervous system mature and support more efficient reading and writing skills. Read how rhythmic movement helped Chris Evans son Eli improve his reading and writing https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-7755095/Chris-Evans-reveals-miracle-treatment-helped-son-Elis-learning-difficulties.html?ito=native_share_article-nativemenubutton

If you'd like to explore how RMT could support your child with reading and writing, reach out, I'd love to help.

Tara 💜

💙 Dyslexia Awareness Week 💙Having two children with dyslexia has been such a journey — one filled with many challenges, ...
30/10/2025

💙 Dyslexia Awareness Week 💙

Having two children with dyslexia has been such a journey — one filled with many challenges, learning, and many many huge moments of pride.

For a long time, I searched for ways to support Seth and Gracie's confidence and learning, ways beyond just reading and writing practice. That’s when I discovered Rhythmic Movement and retained reflex work, and it completely shifted things for us.

Retained primitive reflexes — those automatic movement patterns babies are born with — can sometimes stay active longer than they should. When this happens, it can affect how a child focuses, processes information, and coordinates their body and eyes for reading.

Through gentle, consistent rhythmic movements, I’ve watched them become better able to access their true potential. Their confidence has grown, and learning no longer feels like such an uphill battle.

Although Seth & Gracie both have dyslexia they are really different in the challenges that it presents for them.

Every dyslexic child’s brain is beautifully unique — they see the world differently, and that difference is something to celebrate. With the right support (and patience!), they can truly thrive.

Support that has really worked for us...
💙Dyslexia Centre - having weekly sessions to build confidence and learn strategies.
💙Therapy Foundations for Education - Occupational therapists Christine and Amanda that look beyond the labels and support your child just as they need. These sessions filled me with such hope and made me trust that my kids would be just fine.
💙Reflex Integration- I trained with Rhythmic movement training international so that I could support Seth and Gracie with their journey. They enjoyed the movements and over time we saw such fantastic improvements.

If your navigating this path, trust me when I say it will all be ok.These kids will show you how to think outside the box and how truly magical their little minds are 🧠

✨ Your Child’s Brain Is Built to Grow 🧠Have you ever watched your child learn something new and thought, “Wow, they pick...
19/10/2025

✨ Your Child’s Brain Is Built to Grow 🧠

Have you ever watched your child learn something new and thought, “Wow, they picked that up so fast!”?
That’s neuroplasticity at work — the brain’s amazing ability to change, grow and build new pathways through experience.

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s natural ability to rewire, adapt, and grow throughout life.

Every cuddle with your child, story, game, movement, or challenge is wiring their brain for learning, confidence, and resilience. 💪

 Why it matters:
• Strengthens learning and memory 📚
• Supports emotional regulation 💕
• Builds problem-solving skills 🧩
• Helps children recover from stress or challenges 🌈

Your child’s brain is always growing. With the right environment and support, they can thrive in ways that last a lifetime. ✨

❓What is Rhythmic Movement Training -RMT❓Rhythmic Movement Training works with integrating the retained, or underdevelop...
04/10/2025

❓What is Rhythmic Movement Training -RMT❓

Rhythmic Movement Training works with integrating the retained, or underdeveloped, infant reflexes (also called primitive reflexes or neo-natal reflexes) that are involved in learning challenges such as ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, writing problems, focussing and comprehension challenges, and co-ordination difficulties.

It is also successful in working with people with anxiety, panic, emotional imbalances, behavioural problems, and general overwhelm.

The movements in Rhythmic Movement Training are based on replicating the movements that infants naturally make, helping to support an individual’s ability to achieve their highest potential through the use of rhythmic, innate and developmental movements.

Each session is approx 1 hour long, and I work with both the parent and child to find out possible root causes of the challenges they are facing. I will teach you some movements to do at home.

I will be offering appointments in The Little Yoga House and i'm so excited to share the many benefits of RMT. Please don't hesitate to get in touch for more info, or you can book through the link, appointments will be starting in October 👇
https://www.thelittleyogahouse.co.uk/rhythmic-movement

Tara 💜

RETAINED BABKINSome of the challenges that can be faced if babkin reflex hasn't been integrated.Integrating the babkin w...
22/11/2023

RETAINED BABKIN

Some of the challenges that can be faced if babkin reflex hasn't been integrated.

Integrating the babkin will also help with stage 2 of moro.

BABKIN REFLEXDo you ever notice your little one sticking out their tongue while concentrating? Have you ever wondered wh...
21/11/2023

BABKIN REFLEX

Do you ever notice your little one sticking out their tongue while concentrating? Have you ever wondered why?
Maybe they do it when writing, drawing, playing or concentrating in anyway?

This could be a babkin and with using specific rhythmic movements we can help to integrate this reflex and help that little wondering tounge relax back into the mouth 👅


The Babkin reflex begins emerging at 13 weeks in utero and should integrate into the life long bonding response by 4 mon...
15/11/2023

The Babkin reflex begins emerging at 13 weeks in utero and should integrate into the life long bonding response by 4 months 

It is a whole body reflex and plays and important role in developing fine motor skills and speech and language

The integration of the Babkin is important for the integration of the 2nd stage of the moro, so that bonding is well established, which gives the opportunity for an infant to feel safe to move out into the world.

The strongest reaction for the Babkin is through the Hand-mouth connection and when this aspect remains active this is where we see the tongue sticking out when writing, drawing and other fine motor skills.


SIGNS OF A RETAINED MORO REFLEXWhen the Moro is retained the ability to filter and understand sensory  stimuli is compro...
14/11/2023

SIGNS OF A RETAINED MORO REFLEX

When the Moro is retained the ability to filter and understand sensory  stimuli is compromised and the survival system easily activates and undermines the ability to differentiate between what is safe and not safe.

There are lots of challenges, maybe you recognise some?

12/11/2023

PASSIVE MOVEMENTS FOR MORO

Passive movements are wonderful for promoting rhythm, ease, coordination, and smoothness of movement. These movements are beneficial in stimulating the brainstem.

They aslo help:

✨️Develop awareness of body parts

✨️Developing coordination

✨️Improving postural alignment

✨️Improving attention

✨️Allowing the body to recognise possibilities & opportunities for movement

✨️Encouraging bonding and touch

Children are given a movement menu and chose which movement they would like to do and asked how often they would like to do the movements each week, allowing them to have choice and communicate their needs is all part of the process in RMT.




SIGNS OF A RETAINED FEAR PARALYSIS REFLEX 🙀We all experience fear, but have you ever wondered why it can sometimes leave...
01/11/2023

SIGNS OF A RETAINED FEAR PARALYSIS REFLEX 🙀

We all experience fear, but have you ever wondered why it can sometimes leave us feeling paralysed? A retained Fear Paralysis Reflex can have a major impact on our lives.

The Fear Paralysis Reflex is a primitive survival mechanism that causes us to freeze when we encounter danger. It's an automatic response designed to keep us safe, but sometimes it lingers long after the threat has passed.

🙉 Signs to Watch For: 1️⃣ Overthinking: Constantly ruminating on past traumatic events, unable to let them go. 2️⃣ Hypervigilance: Always on edge, expecting danger around every corner. 3️⃣ Avoidance: Going to great lengths to avoid situations that trigger fear. 4️⃣ Feeling Stuck: The sensation of being paralyzed by fear when confronted with a challenging situation.

There are many signs that can indicate a retained FPR, you may not display them all but are likely to suffer with a few!

💥 Remember, you have the power to overcome a Retained Fear Paralysis Reflex by working through a few simple rhythmic movements that can have profound effects on your life.



reflexes

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117a Cregagh Road
Belfast
BT60LA

Telephone

+447921450738

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