What are primitive reflexes?
At birth, primitive reflexes are present to assist in survival – many develop in utero. These involuntary movement patterns are designed to keep the newborn alive and help with development throughout infancy. Some examples of primitive reflexes are the ‘moro reflex’, ‘rooting reflex’, ‘palmar grasp reflex’ and ’asymmetrical tonic neck reflex’.
What is reflex integration?
Primitive reflexes are not meant to stay forever; they should integrate – or mature – naturally through movement or what we call “developmental milestones. Some primitive reflexes integrate before the first year, while others integrate as late as 3 years. When a primitive reflex integrates, it makes way for new, more mature and intentional movement patterns and higher-level learning to develop.
What if primitive reflexes do not integrate?
If a primitive reflex does not integrate naturally; instead of mature, voluntary movement patterns, a child may develop abnormal movement patterns which can result in clumsiness. This can affect a child’s ability to participate in daily activities.
What are some signs of reflexes that may have not integrated?
When children retain primitive reflexes, they will often struggle with:
· Social skills
· Coordination for playing sports
· Emotional regulation
· Problem solving
· Focusing in class
· Reading and Writing
· Anxiety
Children may also struggle with:
· Motion sickness
· Poor posture
· Thumb sucking and/or drooling, chewing and swallowing difficulties
· Sensitivities to light, sound, touch
· Poor visual tracking
How can we screen for retained reflexes?
Retained reflexes are screened by gathering information about a child’s motor abilities, as well as their social and emotional skills - there are distinct signs and symptoms of a retained reflex for each reflex that we screen for. We then ask the child to perform a set of specified exercises relevant to the reflex that has been flagged / the reflex that is being screened, and make clinical observations about whether the reflex is still present.
So what do I do if I suspect that my child may have retained primitive reflex?
We can complete an assessment to determine what, if any, of your child’s primitive reflexes have been retained. If your child has retained one or multiple primitive reflexes, we will prescribe exercises that will support them in integrating the reflex. When primitive reflexes are successfully integrated, we can expect improvements across all areas of life - as the body is free to move and learn and enjoy all of the experiences life has to offer.
Please reach out to us if you would like more information!
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