What is the INPP Method?
Every child is born with early childhood reflexes, also known as survival reflexes. As the brain matures and voluntary motor skills develop, these primitive reflexes—which initially drive a child’s development—should be inhibited or transformed into postural reactions. These postural responses enable effortless movement and adaptability in various motor patterns and body positions without conscious effort.
If this developmental process does not occur as expected due to prenatal, birth, or postnatal disruptions, some primitive reflex responses may remain active. This condition, known as neuromotor immaturity, can significantly impact later motor development, eye muscles, hand-eye coordination, lateralization, and perception.
Children with residual primitive reflexes may struggle with daily tasks despite appearing “normal.” These challenges are often accompanied by behavioral issues such as hyperactivity and anxiety.
The INPP Method, developed by INPP Chester (UK), provides a structured testing and treatment approach to uncover neuromotor immaturity as a root cause behind learning, behavioral, motor, and perceptual difficulties in children, adolescents, and adults. By addressing the cause rather than the symptoms, it opens new possibilities for effective support.
How is the Assessment Conducted?
Step 1: Initial Consultation
An in-depth medical history interview is conducted (usually without the child present). This includes:
- Pregnancy history
- Birth process details
- Postnatal development
- Current developmental concerns
If the evaluation suggests that persistent primitive reflexes may be contributing to the child’s difficulties, a comprehensive assessment is scheduled.
Alternatively, the consultation may reveal that expectations for the child are unrealistically high, or that other factors are responsible for the challenges.
Step 2: Comprehensive Assessment
Depending on the child’s age, the assessment takes 2-3 hours and provides a detailed picture of neuromotor maturity.
Areas examined include:
- Gross and fine motor coordination
- Balance
- Motor development patterns
- Primitive (early childhood) reflexes
- Postural and positioning reactions
- Lateralization
- Eye muscle function
- Visual perception
- Hand-eye coordination
- Speech perception (if necessary)
Parents are present during this session.
Developing the Movement Program
After evaluating the test results, the next steps and the structured movement program are discussed. This program is designed to be performed daily at home under parental supervision for approximately one to one and a half years.
- The effectiveness of the exercises depends on performing them as slowly and precisely as possible.
- Each exercise is accompanied by detailed written instructions.
- A follow-up control session is scheduled, where the exercises must be demonstrated.
- Based on progress, adjustments to the program may be made.
This structured approach re-trains the nervous system, helping children overcome developmental delays and achieve better motor control, coordination, and academic readiness.