Reflexes, Movement, Learning & Behaviour: Analysing and Unblocking Neuro-motor Immaturity (Hawthorn Press Early Years)

I have just started reading this book and it's very hard to put down. Even though I have read lots by the same author there is still more to learn.

I have known and admired Sally Goodard Blythe and her late husband Peter’s pioneering vestibular-related reflex (balance, coordination, rhythm) research into the origins of dyslexia (LD), dyspraxia, ADD, phobias… for over 50 yrs. Thus, I was delighted to read her incredible and life-changing insights within her latest book, Reflexes, Movement, Learning, Behavior. Amazingly, I had independently arrived at somewhat similar convictions based on my own clinical neuropsychiatric research—also discovering that the above and many other so-called cognitive or mistaken cerebral disorders had a primary cerebellar-vestibular or “inner-ear” origin. Importantly, 98% of my many patients had independently proven balance, coordination and rhythmic impairments, despite normal and superior IQ’s—clearly validating Sally’s brilliantly described insights. Just as important, 0% had cerebral neurological signs—clearly refuting the century-old prevailing concepts while further supporting our respective research efforts. Because we arrived at our initially anti-traditional convictions from completely different directions, we had differing explanations as to: 1—How can an inner-ear or cerebellar-vestibular balance and coordination dysfunction or immaturity cause varied reading, writing, spelling, math…cerebral-related disorders in the absence of cerebral neurological deficits? and 2—How can improving the vestibular system improve the above differently-named “cerebral” disorders? From a medical point of view, my theory was simple—based on the clinical study of thousands of patients. I reasoned that the cerebellar-vestibular system is a fine-tuner for all incoming cerebral and outgoing balance, coordination and rhythmic brain signals. Thus, a primary vestibular signal-scrambling dysfunction confusing the reading, writing, spelling, math…cerebral brain areas can result in the varied cognitive symptoms/disorders without manifesting cerebral neurological signs while also accounting for the invariable presence of abnormal reflexes and impaired balance/coordination movements. Best of all, 75-85% of patients treated with inner-ear-improving meds often rapidly improved—further proving our respective theories. Perhaps a simple analogy will help explain our respective “inner-ear” theories—too often befuddling some. Thus, for example, any normal individual can be rendered temporarily dyslexic, ADD, dyspraxic, imbalanced, phobic … by simply spinning them until dizziness and dizzy signals result. And pre-treating them with motions-sickness meds can prevent or “cure” them of their dizzy signals and resulting transient disorders. And finally, there’s a phobia for every form of inner-ear-determined motion sickness—for good reason! Now Sally and Peter’s research similarly demonstrated that by improving the reflex motor disturbances —and/or it’s inner-ear causes—in those patients with the above disorders, their many symptoms can improve without meds. And by recognizing the importance of the reflex system for learning in children and enhancing it when indicated, many can be spared endless suffering. In short, Reflexes, Movement, Learning, Behavior highlights the often overlooked complexity and incredible importance of the vestibular-motor system in providing normal cognitive development for all children. As a result, Sally’s insights offer prevention as well as safe, beneficial treatment for all with the above disorders. And for best, rapid results, medical and reflex therapies may be combined.Harold N. Levinson, MD

As both an INPP Practitioner and mother of children with neurological-developmental disorders, I read this book with both sets of eyes. Before I knew anything about INPP I was searching for THIS kind of book...THIS kind of research and found myself wondering...was I reading the best material? Is what I am reading researched and proven in the field? This is probably the thing I want to shout the loudest from the rooftops...THIS is the clinically researched, tried and tested on the field material that parents and practitioners are looking for. THIS is 40 years of research and case studies. In the current landscape of what can feel like TOO many voices and voices you don't know if you can trust, Sally Goddard Blythe is the real thing. She is the researcher and practitioner that can stand behind the research and also explain it to the masses. My only disappointment is that more people don't know about this ground-breaking, truly disruptive field of practice. I would recommend this book to clinicians, educators, parents and anyone who loves someone who is struggling with a neuro-developmental disorder. You will want a copy in the hands of everyone who loves that person and everyone who is trying to help them set themselves on a path towards HOPE. Thank you Sally Goddard Blythe for your lifetime of work to help so many.

Incredible book - life changing!