5 Simple Home Activities to Support Reflex Integration
One of the most common questions I hear from parents is: “What can I do at home?”
The good news is that supporting your child’s neurodevelopmental growth doesn’t require expensive equipment or hours of structured therapy. Here are five simple, evidence-based activities you can incorporate into your daily routine.
1. The Starfish Movement (Moro Reflex Integration)
What it does: Helps integrate the Moro (startle) reflex, supporting emotional regulation and reducing anxiety.
How to do it:
- Have your child lie on their back on a soft surface
- Arms extended out to the sides, legs together
- Slowly bring arms across chest in a self-hug
- Return to starting position
- Repeat 5-10 times, moving slowly and rhythmically
When: Before bedtime or during calm moments. Never force it if your child is distressed.
2. The Lizard Crawl (ATNR Integration)
What it does: Integrates the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex, supporting hand-eye coordination and cross-body movements.
How to do it:
- Get down on hands and knees
- Move forward slowly, ensuring opposite arm and leg move together (right arm with left leg)
- Keep head looking forward, not down
- Crawl for 2-3 minutes
When: Perfect for “movement breaks” during homework or after school.
3. Rolling Like a Log (Sensory Integration)
What it does: Provides vestibular and proprioceptive input while supporting body awareness.
How to do it:
- Find a soft, carpeted area or use a mat
- Have your child lie straight with arms above their head
- Roll slowly from one end of the space to the other
- Try rolling with a small object held between the knees for extra challenge
When: Great for energising in the morning or regulating before dinner.
4. The Weighted Push (Proprioceptive Input)
What it does: Provides deep pressure input that calms and organises the nervous system.
How to do it:
- Wall pushes: push against a wall with flat palms for 10 seconds
- Heavy work: carry grocery bags, push a shopping trolley, or carry a laundry basket
- Compression: give firm pressure hugs or let them wear a weighted vest
When: Any time your child seems dysregulated or “sensory seeking.”
5. Rocking and Swaying (Vestibular Calming)
What it does: Slow, rhythmic movement calms the vestibular system and promotes regulation.
How to do it:
- Rocking chair: slow, gentle rocking
- Hammock or swing: slow, predictable back-and-forth (not spinning)
- Parent lap: sit together and sway side to side while reading
When: During transitions, before sleep, or when your child needs to calm down.
The Three Keys to Success
- Consistency Over Intensity: 10 minutes daily is better than 2 hours once a week
- Follow Your Child’s Lead: If they resist, pause and try again later
- Make It Playful: These aren’t drills—they’re opportunities for connection and joy
When to Seek Professional Support
These activities are wonderful for all children, but if you notice significant challenges with:
- Coordination or balance
- Emotional regulation
- Focus and attention
- Social interactions
A comprehensive assessment can help identify specific reflex patterns and create a targeted program.
Remember: you’re not alone in this journey. These simple activities, done with love and consistency, can make a profound difference.
