Perez Reflex Integration Primitive Reflexes exercises activities OT SEL visual

Integrating the Perez Reflex Through Play-Based Activities

Promote spinal flexibility, core strength, and body–brain coordination—through joyful, movement-rich play. This comprehensive resource is designed to help integrate the Perez Reflex—a spinal reflex that emerges in infancy and supports extension of the spine and activation of the back muscles during movement. When this reflex remains active beyond the early years, it can impact posture, bladder/bowel awareness, emotional regulation, and coordination of the upper and lower body.

With 30 engaging, whole-body activities, this guide equips therapists, educators, and caregivers with dynamic, child-centered strategies to support smoother spinal movement, improved sensory integration, and classroom readiness. Each activity helps the body strengthen and organize extension patterns, creating a stable foundation for attention, self-regulation, and coordinated movement.

What’s Inside:

• 30 play-based exercises targeting the Perez Reflex
• Step-by-step visuals and clear instructions for easy implementation
• Activities that build spinal extension, core stability, and postural control
• Sensory-rich strategies that support proprioceptive and vestibular input
• Adaptations for a range of sensory, physical, and attention needs
• “Why It Helps” explanations for each activity
• Ideal for children who struggle with posture, toileting awareness, or full-body coordination

Whether you’re working with toddlers, preschoolers, or school-aged children, this resource helps build a responsive, organized postural system—so kids can sit, move, focus, and participate with greater ease and confidence.

Because spinal strength and flexibility set the stage for learning, self-regulation, and active play.

What’s included:

• Back Crawl On Blanket Roll (page 4)
• Rolling Ball Back Path (page 5)
• Belly to Back Roll (page 6)
• Weighted Lap Animal Seated (page 7)
• Small Spaces Crawl (page 8)
• Massage Path Tracing (page 9)
• Back Symbol Guessing Game (page 10)
• Prone Rocking on Ball (page 11)
• Tactile Animal Crawl (page 12)
• Tactile Obstacle Course (page 13)
• Weighted Animal Crawl (page 14)
• Back Bridge Holds (page 15)
• Weighted Blanket Press (page 16)
• Gentle Back Squeeze (page 17)
• Yoga Cat-Cow Stretch (page 18)
• Ball Pass Under Bridge (page 19)
• Feather Back Tracing (page 20)
• Back to Back Balloon Press (page 21)
• Back Line Drawing (page 22)
• Belly Slide on Ramp (page 23)
• Back to Wall Breathing (page 24)
• Rolling Chair Glide (page 25)
• Balloon Back Bounce (page 26)
• Cushion Crawl (page 27)
• Tunnel Crawl (page 28)
• Back Tap Counting (page 29)
• Standing Wall Press (page 30)
• Playdough Wall Push (page 31)
• Tactile Maze on Back (page 32)
• Slow Towel Drag Crawl (page 33)
• Small icons so you can easily print for visual schedule (pages 34-35)

If you love this product, please leave me feedback. If you find an error, or have a suggestion, please email me: EmpoweringOT@gmail.com I am happy to work with buyers to make them happy J

As a reminder, this is only 1 license for the person who purchased this product and the students on the caseload / classroom. Please support your fellow therapist and direct others to purchase this product from my store. This cannot be posted on websites or other areas where multiple people can access this resource.

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DISCLAIMER: By using this, you agree that this activity is not intended to replace the advice of a physician or occupational therapist. Information provided should not be used for diagnostic or training purposes. Please speak with your physician or OT if you have questions. Stop any activity if you are unsure about a child’s reaction or ability.

This is perfect for general education students but also students with Autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, ADD, sensory processing disorder, and other special needs. This can be used with general education, RTI, MTSS, special education, school psychologist, school counselor, occupational therapy OT, speech language pathology SLP, and social work SW.

I am a school occupational therapist who has a doctorate in occupational therapy. I work closely with special education and general education staff adapting material. This is where I get my inspiration for this material. I have used my materials with a variety of children with different disabilities including learning disabilities, dyslexia, autism, sensory processing disorder, ADD, ADHD, visual impairments, deaf/hard of hearing, cerebral palsy, down syndrome and more.

DISCLAIMER: By using this, you agree that this activity is not intended to replace the advice of a physician or occupational therapist. Information provided should not be used for diagnostic or training purposes. Please speak with your physician or OT if you have questions. Stop any activity if you are unsure about a child’s reaction or ability. You should discontinue anything if you do not know your child’s reaction or ability.