When your neurodivergent child is socially AND physically awkward, with Niki McGlynn
Apr 15, 2024I really love learning new things, especially when those things help me figure out more about myself. I had no idea that was going to be the case when I scheduled an interview with this week's guest, Niki McGlynn.
The more Niki talked about her work with primitive reflexes, the more I realized she was describing so many of the things that are a challenge for me physically. From my over-the-top startle reflex to my inability to look behind me while cycling without crashing, Niki had an explanation (and, more importantly, a solution) for it all.
In this week's podcast/YouTube episode, Niki and I are going deep into the topic of primitive reflexes. What are they, how does their inability to integrate affect how we think, feel, and operate in the world, and what can be done for people like me who apparently are very dis-integrated?
Here's a clip from the episode:
Steph: I can think about a physical activity and I can know that I can't do it. I can't jump. I can't jump! I don't understand the process that allows people to jump. And so if I just stand straight, I get, like, very little clearance off the ground. I would never try to run and jump over an object. Never. I don't understand the mechanics of jumping.
Niki: This is why... this is why I love reflex integration. Because... because if we could integrate your reflexes, you'd be able to do that. And it sounds like a tiny thing but when you can't do something that everybody else can do, it's really frustrating because you go, 'well, what's wrong with me?' Why is it... you know, I mean, and this is a typical story I think of ... of adult diagnosis of ADHD and autism and dyslexia and everything is you spend your whole life going, 'Well, what's wrong with me? Why can everybody else do it and I can't do it? You know, clearly, I'm a weirdo.' But actually no, it's just that actually, you've got a neurodevelopmental issue. And integrating reflexes can help.
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