Ep. 28 - Building the Foundation First with Paulette Cormier

In this episode of The Playbase Podcast, Frances sits down with Paulette Cormier to explore the powerful connection between the body, the brain, reflex integration, movement, hearing, regulation, and learning.Paulette shares her journey from teacher and mother to practitioner, beginning with her search for support for her own son’s learning challenges. That path led her to Relationship Development Intervention, MNRI, developmental movement, and auditory integration training.Together, Frances and Paulette discuss why development is not just about academics, why primitive reflexes matter, how tummy time supports future learning, and why some children may struggle when foundational body-based systems are not fully integrated.This conversation is an eye-opening reminder that when a child is struggling socially, behaviorally, academically, or physically, we have to look beneath the surface. Before we build higher-level skills, we need to understand the foundation.Show NotesIn this episode, Frances and Paulette discuss:Paulette’s journey as a teacher, mother, and practitionerHow her son’s learning challenges led her to alternative therapiesRelationship Development Intervention, also known as RDIThe importance of the parent-child relationship in learningWhy development happens through connection, guidance, and trustWhat MNRI is and how Paulette discovered itPrimitive reflexes and why they matterHow reflexes support early movement, learning, regulation, and developmentWhy babies need tummy timeThe connection between neck strength, core strength, and later skillsHow reflexes can impact speech, writing, movement, balance, vision, and behaviorThe importance of developmental movementWhy some children are uncomfortable in their bodiesHow reflex integration can support children with autism, learning challenges, sensory needs, and regulation difficultiesWhy early intervention mattersHow older children and teens can still benefit from reflex integrationThe connection between vision, movement, and reflexesWhy some children may struggle with vision therapy before their bodies are readyAuditory Integration Training and sound sensitivitiesWhy some children experience sound as physically overwhelmingThe impact of COVID on children’s tolerance, regulation, and sensory systemsWhy therapy should meet the child where they are developmentallyHow to know whether a child needs foundational support before higher-level therapiesKey TakeawayWhen a child is struggling, we have to ask where the gap began. Sometimes the most meaningful support does not start with academics, behavior plans, or skill drills. Sometimes it starts with the body.Reflection from PauletteIf your child is struggling, think about building a house. If there is a crack in the foundation, you would not start by putting new shingles on the roof. You would go back and repair the foundation first.Closing ThoughtBefore we ask children to build higher-level skills, we need to make sure their foundation is strong enough to support them.Connect with Paulette Cormier🌐 Website: https://paulette-cormier.squarespace.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainbowconnectionstherapies/Connect with The Play Base🌐 Website: www.us.theplaybase.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theplaybase/🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theplaybase