The Role of Primitive Reflexes in Neurological Organization
The Role of Primitive Reflexes in Neurological Organization
The Peak Potential Institute is excited to present Dr. Courtney Neill’s online program, “The Role of Primitive Reflexes in Neurological Organization.” This course goes beyond understanding primitive reflexes—it provides practical assessment and integration exercises that chiropractors can use to help address retained primitive reflex patterns.
Dr. Neill guides participants through the development of the different levels of the brain and explains how neurological input, motor output, developmental milestones, and primitive reflexes work together during normal neurological organization. You’ll learn how to recognize retained primitive reflexes and understand how they may influence sensory processing, coordination, posture, movement patterns, and higher-level neurological function.
A major focus of this program is practical application. Participants will learn how to assess for retained primitive reflexes and, importantly, will be taught specific exercises designed to facilitate their integration. These exercises provide doctors with tools that can be incorporated into patient care and reinforced at home, creating an active approach to supporting neurological organization rather than simply identifying that a retained reflex is present.
The course also explores how vertebral and cranial subluxations may alter afferent input and affect the neurological feedback loops involved in development and reflex integration. Dr. Neill brings these concepts together by showing participants how chiropractic and cranial care can be combined with targeted primitive reflex integration exercises as part of a more comprehensive clinical approach.
Whether working with infants, children, or adults, this course provides a practical framework for recognizing retained primitive reflexes, understanding their potential impact, and using specific exercises to help facilitate integration and support more organized neurological function.
What You’ll Learn
- Understand the role primitive reflexes play in brain development and neurological organization.
- Learn how developmental milestones correspond with specific primitive reflexes and their expected integration.
- Recognize retained primitive reflexes and how they may affect sensory processing, coordination, posture, movement, and neurological function.
- Learn practical methods for assessing and identifying retained primitive reflexes in infants, children, and adults.
- Explore how vertebral and cranial subluxations may influence neurological input and reflex integration.
- Learn specific exercises designed to help integrate retained primitive reflexes and improve neurological organization.
- Understand how to incorporate primitive reflex integration exercises into chiropractic and cranial care.
- Develop practical strategies and at-home exercises that patients and parents can use to reinforce reflex integration between visits.
Resources Provided
- Online video lectures
- Visual demonstrations
- Downloadable PDF workbook
- Certificate of completion (CEU credits available where applicable)
Course Contents
8 Modules | 8 CTAs
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Module 01 What are Primitive Reflexes
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Module 02 Neurological Pathways of the Brain
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Module 03 Milestones and Brain Development
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Module 04 Primitive Reflexes
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Module 05 Demonstration of Infant Primitive Reflexes
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Module 06 Primitive Reflexes in Older Children
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Module 07 Demonstration of Older Child Reflexes
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Module 08 Integration of the Reflexes
Meet the Instructors
Dr. Courtney Neill is the founder and driving force behind Foundations Family Chiropractic, a beacon of wellness nestled in Beverly, Massachusetts. With a profound dedication to pediatric and prenatal care, Dr. Neill specializes in nurturing the health of young ones and supporting mothers through their transformative postpartum journeys.
A graduate of Parker University in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Neill’s journey in chiropractic care began in 2008. Returning to her roots on the North Shore of Massachusetts, she embarked on a mission to make a difference. Immersed in a clinic focused on brain-injured children, Dr. Neill recognized a crucial need for chiropractors to deepen their understanding of pediatric development and neurology.
Driven by a passion for learning and a commitment to excellence, Dr. Neill embarked on an extensive postdoctorate journey. She attained certification as a Pediatric Specialist from both the Academy of Family Practice and the International Chiropractic Pediatrics Association. Further enriching her expertise, she pursued certification in Pediatric Spinal and Cranial SOT® protocols through the Peak Potential Institute under the mentorship of Drs. Martin Rosen and Nancy Watson.
Foundations Family Chiropractic stands as a testament to Dr. Neill’s unwavering commitment to holistic care. It represents the culmination of her vision—a nurturing space where families can thrive physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Dr. Neill finds her greatest fulfillment in guiding infants, children, and expectant parents toward optimal health and vitality. Through her work, she not only transforms lives but also inspires and educates fellow chiropractors, empowering them to deepen their skills and serve this cherished population with excellence.
Feedback From Our Students
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Dr. Susan Naccarato
Instructors are dedicated to your learning classes (esp. the Pediatric Certificate program), are detailed and specific. You can use what you learn upon returning to the office.
I have a better understanding of reflexes and how to test them and recognize them.
I have started testing reflexes during my infant exam. I think parents like watching what I’m doing as I’m dictating findings to my scribe.
Yes, I would recommend this course. It was a good explanation of reflexes.
I appreciate your dedication to our profession.
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Dr. Zachary Kotlerman
Primitive reflexes are a great tool to assess cognitive function.
This course Helped me identify primitive reflexes.
I have molded my examination process around primitive reflexes for kids.
This is a great course for getting more in-depth pediatric knowledge of neurology.
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Dr. Kristen Kerr
Primitive reflexes are essential for proper neurological development. They need to be there and go away on time. I use the rungs on a ladder with my patients now. They get it when you tell them if you miss a rung climbing up a ladder, you as an adult get jarred. Neurological development is not about getting jarred. It is about flowing smoothly. Climbing without jarring insults.
I was frustrated at pediatricians prior to this class for telling our mutual patients that their infants did not need this milestone or that one. I was adamant that they did. Now I admit and I go into deeper explanation as to why. I say have your pediatrician call me so we can talk. LOL they NEVER call.
Zander is an amazing boy who has emotional outbursts. I found out on Tuesday that he never crawled correctly or rarely did. I looked at him and said, “You and I have work to do.” He is 4. He looked at me and said, “We drove all the way here to see you. You need to fix my head. No one else does.” Zander started seeing me at almost 2. Then they moved away. Now I understand why even though adjusted he was still having problems. AND if his cranials and spine are not subluxation free, he is full of energy and not in a good way. As a chiropractor, I learn new things every day. Some from classes like this. Some from my patients. Both are awe inspiring.
Yes, I would recommend this course. We need this material as essential information when working with children. It is a deeper dive into the knowledge we already have.
Knowledge is blank unless applied and used. Thank you for increasing my knowledge base in a way that is shareable and applicable. I am truly blessed to be learning from all of you. Thank you!!!
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