Preparing Your Child for Success with MNRI® Therapy
If you are considering beginning MNRI® therapy for your child, it's essential to understand that readiness plays a significant role in achieving optimal results. While every child is unique and progresses at their own pace, here are some foundational skills and signs that can help you know if your child is ready to benefit from MNRI®. Remember, we can create a path forward together even if your child does not yet demonstrate these skills.
Tolerance for Gentle Touch and Movement
Why It Matters: MNRI® techniques often involve light touch and guided movements to help integrate reflex patterns.
What to Look For:
Your child can tolerate being gently touched on their arms, legs, head, and torso without becoming distressed.
They can handle slow, guided body movements for short periods.
Your child accepts gentle physical guidance to:
Lay down on their back.
Lay down on their side.
Lay down on their stomach.
Ways to Prepare: Practice playful, gentle touch during everyday routines (like dressing or massage) to help your child become more comfortable. Avoid tickling as it can be uncomfortable or stress-inducing touch, and instead focus on calming, predictable contact that builds trust and comfort.
Basic Comfort with New Environments and Routines
Why It Matters: MNRI® sessions may involve new surroundings, people, and activities.
What to Look For:
Your child can adjust to new spaces and settle in after a brief adjustment period.
They can participate in an activity for 5-10 minutes with support.
They can accept guidance to approach the massage table and climb up or allow assistance to get on it.
Ways to Prepare: Gradually introduce new environments and small changes to routines, praising your child when they adapt.
Ability to Stay Engaged for Short Periods
Why It Matters: Reflex integration work is most effective when your child can stay involved.
What to Look For:
Your child can remain focused on an activity for 5-10 minutes.
They can follow simple instructions (e.g., “Hold my hand,” “Reach your arms up so high,” or “Straighten out your leg”).
They are familiar with using a time timer or other visual cues to understand when it is time to work on the table and when it is time for free time.
Ways to Prepare: Use short, engaging activities (like games or songs) to build attention span over time and introduce visual timers to smooth transitions.
Basic Sensory Regulation
Why It Matters: Some children may feel overwhelmed by sensory input during therapy.
What to Look For:
Your child has strategies (with or without support) to calm down after feeling upset.
They show curiosity or tolerance toward new sounds, textures, and sensations.
Ways to Prepare: Incorporate calming sensory tools at home, such as weighted blankets, music, or quiet breaks, to help your child regulate.
Communication of Needs and Discomfort
Why It Matters: Your child’s communication ability allows us to adjust the session as needed.
What to Look For:
Your child can signal when they’re uncomfortable (verbally or through gestures).
They can indicate basic preferences (e.g., pushing away something they don’t want).
Ways to Prepare: Encourage consistent communication by reinforcing simple signals, words, or communication devices to express needs.
Ability to Follow Simple Movement Prompts
Why It Matters: MNRI® involves guided motor movements to support reflex integration.
What to Look For:
Your child can mimic simple movements (e.g., clapping, reaching up) with support.
They can hold a stretch or position briefly when guided.
Ways to Prepare: Use playful exercises and songs that copy simple actions, such as "If You’re Happy and You Know It."
Willingness to Participate with Parent or Therapist Support
Why It Matters: A positive connection helps your child feel safe and motivated.
What to Look For:
Your child can engage in an activity with a trusted adult nearby.
They can accept assistance from you or their therapist during play and movement tasks.
They can participate in cleaning up toys or materials after playing with guidance.
Ways to Prepare: Strengthen your child’s confidence by participating in activities alongside them and praising their efforts. Encourage simple clean-up routines as part of playtime.
What If My Child Isn’t Ready Yet?
That’s okay! Readiness is a process, not a deadline. Here’s how we can support your child’s growth and progress:
Pre-Therapy Sessions: We can offer short, exploratory sessions to help your child become familiar with the environment and therapist.
Home Program Recommendations: I’ll provide activities you can do at home to help build foundational skills.
Collaboration with Other Therapists: If your child is also receiving speech, feeding, or occupational therapy, I can coordinate with their team to support readiness.
What Success Looks Like
Success isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress! Signs of readiness include small wins, like tolerating a new touch for a few seconds longer or trying a new movement without hesitation. By focusing on these steps, your child’s confidence and capacity will continue to grow.
Final Thoughts
You know your child best, and your observations are a key part of this process. By working together, we can ensure your child’s MNRI® journey is positive, supportive, and tailored to their unique needs. Remember, taking it one step at a time is okay—every bit of progress counts!
