Neurodevelopmental Therapy
The INPP Method
A structured, movement-based approach to understanding why some children find learning, focus, and everyday life more difficult than it needs to be.
The Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology (INPP) has spent over 40 years researching the role of primitive reflexes in child development. Think Thrive uses the INPP method as the foundation of its assessment and therapy work.
Also see: The Tomatis Method →
Understanding the foundations
What are primitive reflexes?
Primitive reflexes are automatic movements that develop in the womb and are essential to a baby's survival and early development. They should naturally be inhibited within the first year of life as the higher brain takes over.
When reflexes are not fully integrated, they can remain active in the nervous system and interfere with a child's ability to learn, focus, and manage their emotions. Postural reflexes, which develop as primitive reflexes are integrated, are critical for balance, coordination, and controlled movement. If postural reflexes do not develop properly, these difficulties can continue well into childhood and beyond.
The INPP method identifies which reflexes are retained and uses a tailored movement programme to support their integration at the neurological level, addressing root causes rather than surface symptoms.
Areas of support
What the INPP method can help with
Learning
Reading, spelling, handwriting, and processing verbal instructions or sequences.
Attention
Concentration, distractibility, impulsivity, and difficulty sitting still or following instructions.
Coordination
Gross and fine motor skills, balance, posture, and physical confidence.
Emotional regulation
Anxiety, emotional outbursts, low confidence, and difficulty coping with change.
Sensory processing
Sensitivity to sound, touch, movement, or visual stimulation; motion sickness and dizziness.
How it works
The process, step by step
Screening questionnaire
The first step is a detailed online questionnaire about your child's early development, medical history, and current challenges. This helps determine whether an INPP assessment is appropriate for your child.
Initial consultation
A one-hour appointment, either in person or online, to review the questionnaire and discuss your child's developmental history and presenting difficulties. Together we consider whether the INPP programme is the right fit.
Diagnostic assessment and home programme
If the consultation indicates retained reflexes are likely, a comprehensive assessment is carried out. This takes up to two hours and includes gross and fine motor coordination, primitive and postural reflexes, balance, laterality, eye movements, and visual perception. A personalised home movement programme is selected and demonstrated.
Report reading
A follow-up appointment to discuss the findings of the diagnostic assessment, what they mean for your child's learning and daily life, and how to get the most from the home programme.
Regular reviews and adjustments
Progress is monitored every six to eight weeks, with the movement programme updated as your child develops. The full programme typically lasts 18 months, depending on individual progress.
Transparent pricing
Clear costs, no surprises
One hour to review the questionnaire and discuss whether the INPP programme is right for your child.
- In person or online
- Review of screening questionnaire
- Developmental history discussion
- Programme suitability assessment
Comprehensive assessment of reflexes, motor skills, coordination, and visual perception, plus a written report.
- Up to 2 hours, in person
- Full reflex and motor assessment
- Personalised movement programme
- Written report included
Follow-up to discuss assessment findings, educational implications, and next steps for the home programme.
- Online
- Report discussion
- Programme guidance
- Q&A with Rebecca
Review appointments every 6 to 8 weeks throughout the programme are charged separately. Please ask at your initial consultation.
Signs to look for
How retained reflexes can affect daily life
Children with retained primitive reflexes often face challenges across more than one area. These can be easy to overlook, or to attribute to other causes. If several of the following sound familiar, an INPP assessment may be worth exploring.
Behaviour
- Difficulty sitting still or constant fidgeting
- Impulsivity or acting without thinking
- Struggles with following multi-step instructions
Emotional
- Low confidence and self-esteem
- High levels of anxiety or emotional outbursts
- Difficulty coping with change or transitions
Learning
- Poor handwriting or difficulty holding a pencil
- Struggles with reading, spelling, or writing
- Difficulty processing verbal instructions or sequences
Physical
- Poor balance and coordination
- Motion sickness or dizziness
- Difficulty with fine and gross motor skills
Used alongside other support
How the INPP method fits with other therapies
The INPP method works well alongside speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and learning support. Because it addresses foundational neurological development, it can complement and enhance other interventions rather than replacing them.
Think Thrive also offers the Tomatis Method, a listening-based programme that supports auditory processing, attention, and nervous system regulation. Some families choose to combine both approaches.
Learn about primitive reflexes → The Tomatis Method →Ready to find out if the INPP method is right for your child?
Start with the free screening questionnaire, or get in touch directly to ask any questions before booking.
Complete the questionnaire Get in touch Book an appointmentrebecca@thinkthrive.co.uk · 07939 456941