The Early Roots Podcast

Todays episode is all about attachment and its profound impact on human development. We are looking at how early relationships shape our understanding of the world and future relationships. We are covering some of the work of John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth specifically their contributions to attachment theory. This theory posits that secure bonds formed with caregivers in infancy lay the groundwork for emotional resilience and social competence throughout life. Attachment and social relationships are as foundational as movement for brain development. 

This episode covers the four primary attachment styles—secure, anxious-preoccupied, dismissive-avoidant, and fearful-avoidant—and discusses their implications for both children and adults. We look at how to foster secure attachments in both infants and older children. Looking at practical ways to foster the four factors that influence attachment style: responsiveness, consistency/predictability, sensitive communication, and emotional availability. 

Building secure attachments is easiest in infancy but not always an option. Many older children who come through my doors struggle with their attachments. It can be tricky to develop these things in older children because we can’t use the same strategies. The things young babies need (like hyperresponsiveness) are not the same thing older children need. In fact, certain responses can actually increase anxiety and fear in older children. 

In this episode we look at the overall goal of attachment so we can adapt these principles to help children at different ages and developmental stages. Attachments are not permanent and can change and develop later in life. Sometimes it requires work and help, but there is hope!

Visit my website here.

If you are an adult looking for help for yourself check this website here. 

Today episode is all about hyperactivity. This is a common complaint from the parents that walk through my doors. The term hyperactivity encompasses a variety of different symptoms and behaviors. This episode dives into some of those things and takes a look at the most common underlying physical and neurological systems that impact hyperactivity. 

If you have a child that you are concerned about you can learn more on my website here.

I offer in-person services for families in Colorado and virtual services for any families outside of Colorado who don’t have access to an NDD therapist in their area. 

Today's episode is all about adoption. I work with a lot of adopted kids and they each come with their own considerations. Many social, emotional, behavioral and learning difficulties have their roots in early neurological development; the development that happens from conception through infancy. Neglect, trauma, and other adverse childhood experiences shape the way the brain develops and functions.

Today episode explores these stages through an adoption lens and also covers other considerations like attachment and family dynamics.

If you have a child you're concerned about you can learn more on my website here.

If you are looking for a therapist to help you navigate parenting an adopted child I suggest starting here. 

Today's episode is all about my journey through NDD therapy as a teen. I'm not sure if I have mentioned it in previous episodes but before I became a therapist I went through this process myself. It is one of the things that solidified my desire to pursue this as a profession.

If you are concerned about your child or teen visit my website: earlyrootstherapy.com

Today's episode is all about dyslexia! This episode covers a 2001 study that evaluated the physical development of children with dyslexia and found a significant problem with their physical maturity. This study indicates that dyslexia is less of a problem with the brain and more of a problem with the connection between the brain and the body.

This may seem insignificant, but it has reaching implications for treatment protocols. There are lots of things that we can do to improve the brain body connection and mitigate dyslexia symptoms.

www.earlyrootstherapy.com

Find the summary of the study mentioned in this episode here.

Today's episode takes a look at some of the most common retained primitive reflexes that I see. I discuss the Moro, ATNR, STNR, Spinal Galant and Palmer reflexes. Specifically what they are, what purpose they serve in infancy and how their improper development and inhibition impacts children as they age.

If you have a child who struggles with emotional, social, behavioral or learning difficulties, then this episode is a must hear!

Learn more at www.earlyrootstherapy.com

Today’s episode is all about ADHD. Specifically the question of whether or not ADHD is being over diagnosed. This episode covers a brief history of the diagnosis, the different theories around the increase in ADHD diagnoses over the last few decades and a critique of our current system for helping children and adults with ADHD. 

 In this episode I reference a lot of different resources if anyone wants to get more in depth with this topic. Here are some important links:

Diagnostic criteria for ADHD here
Dr. Ruth Schmidt Neven’s podcast episode on ADHD here 
Dr. Schmidt Neven's publication list here
MTA Study Review here
ADHD Long-term medication use and cardiovascular risk here
Large review published studies on ADHD here
Sami Timimi publications here
Keith Conners letter here
British Psychological Society critique of the DSM 5 here
Alan Schwartz exposure of Big Pharma’s influence on ADHD diagnosis here
Crime of the Century Documentary here

My website here

Today’s episode is all about genetics. When I talk about the connection between primitive reflexes, poor brain development and diagnoses like ADHD and Autism I often get the response: But I thought it was genetic? 

The quick answer is yes, there is a genetic connection between ADHD and Autism, but saying this can be very misleading. This episode explores the link between genetics and these diagnoses. We will look at what that actually means and how genes influence developmental delays.

Find my website here.

Today’s episode is all about the history and current research on primitive reflexes. I also cover the three main organizations that offer training on primitive reflex integration and discuss specific research findings. My goal for this episode is to help parents understand what we know, suspect, and need more information on when it comes to primitive reflexes and developmental delays. My hope is that this will help parents find the right care for their children.

Here are links to the three main training organizations. I studied with the Institute of Neuro-Physiological Psychology and LOVE their program (I am obviously biased). You can find information about their programs as well as links to their books and research here. 

They also have branches all over the world and each country has a separate website. You can find information on the U.S. branch as well as a list of current U.S. licentiates here. I think you have to contact them in order to get the contact information of the licentiates though.

You can find the website for the MNRI method here.

You can find the website for the rhythmic movement method here.

When I started this episode I was surprised to see how much new research has come out since I was in school. Below are links to several different studies, some mentioned specifically in this episode some not:

You can find a long list of research authored or co-authored by INPP licentiates here.

You can find a long list of research specifically related to MNRI here.

Here is a list of individual studies related to primitive reflexes. I mention a couple of these specifically in the episode, the rest extra for any other crazy nerds out there who like to really get into the weeds with this stuff. Enjoy!

(I had to just make a numbered list to save character space in this description)

1.
2. 
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

There is more research if any of you get that far! I was very excited to see research coming from so many different areas all saying similar things. Obviously we need research to help refine practices and look at long term impacts, but I am excited that this area is growing. 

If you want more information you can find my website here.

Today’s episode is going to cover one of my most frequently asked question which is: Can you help my child? This episode is going to go over the history of neuro-developmental delay more recently called neuro-motor immaturity and the research on primitive reflexes and the connection between physical and mental development. I’m also going to talk about the most common symptoms I see in the kids I work with and the benefits, limitations and disadvantages of this type of therapy. 

Research Links

https://www.inpp.org.uk/publications

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5778413/

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2020.431835/full

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2014-03619-001

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24092983/

Visit my website to learn more: www.earlyrootstherapy.com