Blog
Moro Reflex Explained: Science-Backed Support for Sensory Processing & Emotional Regulation
by Sensory Therapy Place
Emerging research links the Moro reflex to critical neurodevelopmental outcomes involving emotional regulation, sensory processing, autonomic stability, and early stress responses. Studies show that birth mode, hormonal exposure, and multisensory maturation significantly influence how—and when—the Moro reflex integrates. This evidence-based guide explains the neuroscience behind the reflex, its connection to sensory modulation challenges, and why early integration matters for long-term development.
ATNR Reflex and Your Child: How a Retained ATNR Impacts ADHD, Autism, and Learning Skills
by Sensory Therapy Place
A retained ATNR reflex can impact attention, handwriting, posture, and sensory processing—especially in children with ADHD or autism. Learn the signs, why it happens, and how our occupational therapists supports integration to improve learning and behavior.
Is Your Child Always Tense? Understanding the Tendon Guard Pattern & Toe Walking
by Sensory Therapy Place
Toe Walking, Tension & The Fascial System: Why do some children constantly toe-walk or have "hair-trigger" meltdowns? It’s often a protective fascial response called the Tendon Guard Pattern. Discover the missing link between your child’s posture, their nervous system, and their emotional regulation.
How Birth Trauma Can Affect Child Development Over Time
by Sensory Therapy Place
A birth can be beautiful.
A birth can be hard.
Sometimes, a birth can be traumatic.
When it is, the effects don’t always fade with time.
A baby who endures early stress may carry it in their brain, their body, their ability to feel safe.
A mother who carries trauma may see it ripple into her child’s emotions and behavior.
Science tells us this: NICU pain, birth complications, and maternal PTSD can shape how a child learns, feels, and bonds.
But science also tells us this: with early support and care, children and families can heal, grow, and thrive.
This article unpacks the research, the risks, and the hope, so you can understand what birth trauma means for your child’s future.
How Screen Time Can Affect Your Child’s Development: What Every Parent Should Know
by Sensory Therapy Place
Emerging research from medical journals and large-scale cohort studies increasingly links excessive screen time in infancy and early childhood with delays in language, motor skills, and social-emotional development. Studies from Canada (Madigan et al., 2019) and Japan (Takahashi et al., 2023) show that toddlers with higher screen exposure between 12–36 months are significantly more likely to experience developmental delays by preschool age. A 2024 systematic review further confirms that frequent screen use is negatively associated with fine and gross motor development in most children under age 7.
This blog post breaks down the evidence, explains the neurological and sensory foundations of development from a pediatric occupational therapy perspective, and highlights how screen habits in early years can affect emotional regulation and communication into adolescence. Clear, practical strategies are offered to help parents reduce screen dependence and support healthier brain-body development.
