Primitive Reflexes

Primitive reflexes are involuntary motor responses to specific stimuli. They are essential for survival in newborns and lead to higher level learning. Most of these reflexes are developed in utero and go away, or are integrated, by 1-3 years of age. 

• Rooting: 
  • This reflex is important for feeding and receiving nutrience. 
    • It becomes stimulated by any object placed/stroked on the cheek. The infant will turn its head toward the that side.

• Sucking: 
  • It is important for the coordination between breathing and swallowing. 
    • This reflex becomes stimulated when an object is placed in the mouth.

• Palmar:   (^Pictured above^)
  • This reflex is important for the foundation of fine motor skills -AND- to increase the bond between the caregiver and child.
    • It becomes stimulated by an object applying pressure to the palm. The infants hand will involuntarily close around it. 

Integration happens when the child is able to use the motor reflexes appropriately and with repetition. They are supposed to naturally mature and eventually suppress the involuntary movements. They lead to more complex movement patterns and again, should fade away. 

This integration process is CRUCIAL for development and functioning:

• Neurological Development: Proper integration of primitive reflexes is a sign of healthy brain development and functioning.

• Motor Skills: Integration of these reflexes supports the development of coordinated and controlled movements necessary for activities such as writing, sports, and everyday tasks.

• Cognitive and Emotional Regulation: Unintegrated reflexes can impact cognitive processes and emotional regulation, affecting learning and behavior.

• Academic and Social Success: Effective integration supports skills necessary for academic achievement, social interaction, and self-care. 

If our primitive reflexes are not integrated, then we may see challenges in overall development. 

Some causes of retained reflexes:

• Trauma during pregnancy or after birth
• Exposure to toxins in the womb
• Caesarean section (C-Section) delivery
• Premature Birth
• Developmental motor delays
• Minimal floor time as an infant --- Decreased repetition of motor movements
• Skipped crawling

Say a child skipped crawling for one reason or another. Their body has not had the opportunity to take part in repetitive movements that allow for integration. The child may have difficulty with holding a pencil correctly, poor posture, and vision challenges. 

• Of course this may not happen to every person who skipped crawling, however it is very common. 

• Rooting Reflex
• Palmar Grasp Reflex
• Moro Reflex
• Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)
• Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)
• Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)
• Landaue Reflex
• Spinal Galant Reflex

1. Assess if the reflexes are integrated or are still retained

2. Create a Plan of Care and provide specific exercises to integrate the reflexes

3. Monitor and provide accomodations