It is no surprise that professionals that work with children ask about their birth history and
about their early infant milestones. There is more and more evidence indicating that the
developmental milestones during the first few years of life build the foundation for skills that
children require during the school years. The goal of this site is to provide parents and
professionals information and tools to go back rebuild those foundational skills.
My Story
Minal Dhanak, Pediatric Occupational Therapist & Primitive Reflex Integration Specialist
Movement is a child's first language. Through movement, a child begins to learn about their
world. The language of movement has been a cornerstone of Minal Dhanak's work. Minal has
been practicing as a pediatric occupational therapist for over 17 years, while constantly striving
to learn more about child development.
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She has received trainings in various treatment approaches, such as sensory integration, various
auditory programs (such as the Listening Program and Johansen Individualized Auditory Sound
Therapy), the visual/vestibular connection, Floortime/DIR based trainings, just to mention a
few.
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Minal continues to find child development fascinating and is extremely passionate about
connecting the dots between infancy and how those milestones impact the school aged child.
This interest led Minal to complete various trainings on the topic of primitive reflex integration,
including a one year post graduate training on this topic.
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Minal has worked in various settings including schools, clinics, and homes, and loves providing one on one services to families by individualizing her sessions to the needs of the child. She is a
believer that a child's therapy begins with parent/caregiver education. Minal, therefore, has a
passion for providing trainings for parents and professionals. She has conducted several
trainings for agencies such as Regional Center and Head Start, as well as training allied
professionals on various topics on child development.
WHAT ARE PRIMITIVE REFLEXES?
Reflexes occur without any cortical involvement, i.e. they are automatic and require no thought or control from an individual. Many of these are lifelong reflexes (such as coughing, sneezing, and blinking).
We are also born with reflexes called primitive reflexes. These are reflexes that begin to develop in utero (usually around 9-12 weeks post conception), and are fully present at birth in a healthy newborn.
