# 31 Exploring Primitive Reflex Integration in Paediatric Development. with Mary Bourke

Mary Bourke is a Newcastle (NSW, Australia) based chiropractor with qualifications in pediatric chiropractic care. Her wealth of experience and passion for health and wellness improvement in young children starts right from the very early months when the reflexes present in the newborn transfer to those that assist their progressive global development.In this episode, Mary explains the nature of the primitive reflexes, how they integrate during infant development and the importance of allowing the infant to meet and progress through these developmental ‘milestones’ for optimal childhood development.We explore how the opportunities are often lost in these modern times, and the child is denied the opportunity for the reflexes to integrate correctly. Mary then explains that when parents are aware, how their play-based assist can override the delays.  When primary reflexes are retained, the outcome can be reflected in the older child or adult, often presenting as unusual habits or tendencies. It is not uncommon that these need to be addressed through a collaboration of allied health therapies.Mary and I also discuss how as adults, we adapt to retained reflexes often without recognising what they are- you might recognise some in yourself!Contact Mary Bourke through the Vitality Junction Chiropractic clinic:[email protected] 691965