This guide is a practical overview of the ASD primitive reflex exercises, designed to support children receiving Therapeutic Laser for ASD at Laser Medicine. The following information is a comprehensive overview of the primitive reflex integration exercises outlined in the Melillo Method functional neurology programme for children with Autism Spectrum conditions (ASD). Our guide also includes Rezzimax vibration techniques, discount codes for the Rezzimax and Hue Light PBM Light Therapy Irradiator, and further Melillo Method exercises for:
- Core stability
- Vestibular function
- Ocular motor function
- Olfactory stimulation
- Metrotimer exercises
How we work
We combine Low Level Laser protocols with the methods outlined in Robert Melillo’s Functional Development Behavioural Neurodevelopment Programme, which includes ASD primitive reflex exercises, to optimise the effectiveness of our Laser Therapy protocols.
- We assess the child or adult’s specific symptoms to identify areas of delayed neurological development.
- We test for retained primitive reflexes and provide parents with simple exercises to integrate the primitive reflexes.
- We do not test for everything at once – we work gradually with the parents and child to establish a clear and simple process.
- Exercises are given gradually in manageable amounts so that the child (and parents!) are not overwhelmed and can incorporate gradually into the daily routine.
- We apply Red and Infrared light therapy, appropriate to the child’s condition – see recommended devices.
- We use Vibration therapy devices, appropriate to the child’s condition – see recommended devices.
Please follow the guidance of your Laser Medicine therapist for your child’s specific needs. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions about the ASD primitive reflex exercises.
ASD Primitive Reflex Exercises
The following instructions are included in the ASD Programme exercises for the integration of primitive reflexes in the child identified in the initial assessment.
Rooting Primitive Reflex Exercises
For right hemisphere delay: With the paint brush provided, stroke from the cheek down to corner of mouth and then across both lips.
Snout Primitive Reflex Exercises
The parent will press on the philtrum using the handle of a paint brush (space between the nose and upper lip) for 10 times.
Spinal Galant Primitive Reflex Exercises
The child will start on hands and knees in a tabletop position. Take the brush and stroke from mid-back down on either side of the spine. Start closer to the spine, working your way out to the sides, completing 10 times. Doing this once on each side is considered 1 repetition.
STNR (Symmetric Tonic Neck Reflex) Exercises
The child will be their hands and knees. The parent will hold them under the chin and on the crown of the head and then move the child’s head up and down quickly through full range 10 times.
ATNR (Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex) Exercises
The child will hold their head in hands while they are in a tabletop position. They will turn the head to the right and then to the left 10 times through full range of motion, looking to see elbows bend for the reflex.
Palmer Grasp Primitive Reflex Exercises
Using the handle of a paint brush, Parent will stimulate the reflex by drawing a “X” on the palm of the child’s hand. For right hemisphere delay: 20 times on the left hand and 10 times on the right.
Babinski Primitive Reflex Exercises
Stroke up using the handle end of a paintbrush on the lateral side and bottom of the child’s foot. For right hemisphere delay: Repeat 20 times on the left foot and then 10 times on the right foot.
Core Stability Exercises
These are important for the child to create spinal stability and build core strength. The spine carries a lot of information to the brain, so this is important for many reasons. These core stability exercises will become a central part of the child’s daily home program.
Supine Bridge – Level 1
On the floor face up, feet and arms flat on the floor and knees should be shoulder width apart & arms at the side. Raise back off the floor, hold as long as possible. Goal is 30 seconds.
Curl Ups / Sit-ups – Level 1
Hands Pull Assist. With the child laying down, the parent can sit on the child’s legs legs and the child will hold onto parent’s thumbs. The parent can assist in pulling them up to help them do a full sit up. The goal is 30 at a time as the child grows stronger.
Push Ups – Level 1:
Wheelbarrow Walk supported. The parent will hold on to the child’s ankles and lift their legs off the ground so there is a straight line in the body. Support the weight of the legs/hips as needed by moving hands closer to the thighs, knees or hips for more support. The goal is to walk for 20 steps forward on the hands.
Pull Ups – Level 1
(Supported Bar Hang). You can purchase a doorway chin up bar for this exercise. From the standing position, help the child reach up and grab the bar with both hands. With arms straight, lift the legs off the ground, maintaining a straight line in the body, and hold that position for 10 seconds. Support part of the child’s body weight by holding the legs.
Olfactory Exercise – Level 1
If the child does not lean in to sniff present a smell by holding the essential oil in front of the child’s nose. At this level, we do not expect the child to sniff and they may turn away or resist such as pushing the parent’s hand away. Place a drop of the essential oil on the child’s shirt after this exercise. Place the smell on the right side of the shirt.
Oculomotor Exercise – Level 1:
For this exercises you will need to download the OKN Drum App from Apple or Google. Download Instruction Video.
At the speed of 14 and stripes or images (as explained in the instruction video above) turning the phone horizontal for left/right movement and vertical for up/down movement. Parent will observe the nystagmus (beating of the eyes) if they are fixated on the images. The goal for Level 1 is to focus on the screen long enough for this to happen consistently. For a right brain program the images should be moving to the right and down for 10 seconds in each direction.
Vestibular Exercises
Vestibular Spinning: Parents carry out the spinning using a rotating chair. The child sits in a chair, preferably with feet crossed. Parent spin the chair fast to the right, clockwise for 2 seconds per rotation for as long as the child will tolerate. 10 – 50 rotations and repeat if needed until you can see Nystagmus (beating) of the eyes when stopped.
Recommended devices to help with ASD Primitive Reflex Exercises and Therapy for use at home
- REZZIMAX VIBRATION DEVICE – helps us to stimulate areas of the body and brain stem to encourage the integration of primitive reflexes and sensory development. Please purchase direct from Rezzimax and enter the code LASERMEDICINE at checkout for $75 off the purchase price. ORDER HERE
- HUE LIGHT PBM IRRADIATOR – helps to provide gentle light therapy to the child in between clinic sessions, Apply light over the abdomen, through the spinal cord and into the back of head, and around the frontal and temporal lobes daily. Enter the code LASERMEDICINE60 at checkout for £60 off the purchase price. ORDER HERE
Fore more information on Laser Therapy for ASD Services at Laser Medicine.
You can also book and pay for sessions here.
Please do not hesitate to ask should you have any questions.
