The Masgutova Neuro-sensory-motor Relfex Integration (MNRI) is based on the
work and extensive research of Dr. Svetlana Masgutova. Over the past 20 years, she has
developed a treatment technique which is based on the philosophy that reflexes serve as
both a protective mechanism but also as a basis for development. Through her work with
thousands of children she has used a variety of reflex integration techniques to promote:
gross and fine motor development, memory, attention and focus, maturation of social
skills, as well as improved expressive and receptive language skills.
Questions which have been asked include “Why would a speech-language pathologist be
interested in reflex integration?” or ” I just want you to teach my child to communicate
better, what does reflex integration have to do with that?” The mission of The Therapy
Place has always been to treat the whole child. Part of treating the whole child involves
making sure children have the strong foundational skills necessary for normal
development to occur. If a child has “cracks” in this foundation, it is the job of the
therapist’s to attempt to strengthen it. Assessment and treatment of these primary
movement patterns are one way, in addition to sensory integration techniques, therapists
help build solid foundational skills. If a child is unable to sit for a period of time or has a
high level of anxiety, it is difficult, if not impossible, to properly learn from experiences
in their environment.
Most of primary motor reflexes are integrated by the time a child is two years of age. If a
child has developmental challenges or suffers an illness or injury, it is possible that either
a) the reflex never emerged in the first place b) the reflex emerged but was not integrated
or c) the integrated reflex re-emerges to protect the child and then is not re-integrated.
Adults who have had illness or injury often have re-emergence of these reflexes which
can lead to increased anxiety and/or pain as their body is no longer utilizing proper
movement patterns.
Examples of Reflexes Targeted by Therapists and Their Impact on Growth and
Development
The Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) is also known as “the learning reflex” and
has a significant impact on a person’s auditory processing abilities, ability to complete
both homolateral and cross lateral movements and gross and fine motor coordination. If
this reflex is not integrated, one or more of the following problems may be present:
Problems with poor ability to cross the auditory and visual midfields
Lack of balance between focused, narrow and peripheral vision
Lack of memory processes
Challenges in expression of learned information
Poor langauge development
Emotional stress
Ineffective habits connected to listening, concentration, and thinking
Difficulties in spelling and grammar and math
The Abdominal reflex is closely tied to a person’s ability to modulate and to calm for
sleep. A child whose abdominal reflex is not integrated often has great difficulty falling
asleep at night and/or is unable to stay asleep for extended periods of time. If a child
does not get enough sleep, his/her body will body will not be in an optimal place for
learning and therefore learning and behavior challenges may be present.
Brea Maday, MA CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist who has worked at The
Therapy Place since 1998 and has recently earned the title of Masgutova Neurosensory-
motor Reflex Integration Associate Level l after completing over 100
hours of continuing education with the Svetlana Masgutova Educational Institute at the
2009 Family Educational Conference. In addition, there are other Occupational and
Speech Therapists at The Therapy Place who have attended MNRI courses and utilize the
techniques developed by Dr Masgutova.
For more information regarding MNRI, please visit www.masgutovamethod.com
Compiled by Brea Maday MA CCC/SLP with information from the Masgutova Institute