Primitive Reflexes

Primitive reflexes are automatic gross motor reactions that act as a protective reaction in early infancy and childhood. These are typically integrated by age 3 as the brain matures; however, when these reflexes fail to integrate or become retained, they can lead to developmental challenges and learning difficulties. Interested if this could be affecting your child? Ask yourself: 

Moro: The Moro reflex is the "startle" reflex you see in infants with rapid movement of arms/legs in times of stress (ie: if you pretended to drop the child). It is vital in the ability for the baby to push through the birth canal, so it is frequently retained with c-section deliveries. An overactive Moro Reflex in infants can look like significant startles, difficulty staying asleep, frequent crying,  may require or dislike being held all the time. With retained Moro, children may dislike change, have poor learning skills, mood swings, anxiety, or hyperactivity.

TLR: The Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex divides the body into front and back. It corresponds to body awareness and proprioceptive, vestibular input. The allows infants to look up and reach while on their stomach, but if retained can create poor posture, poor coordination, fear of heights, and difficulty sequencing. The other variation of TLR can cause poor balance, toe walking, and poor sequencing skills. 

ATNR: The Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex is also engaged the birthing process. In infants, it assists in rolling and crawling with safety in mind. As children age, a retained ATNR it may appear as difficulty reaching across the body, difficulty with reading, poor hand-eye coordination, and may avoid sports. 

STNR: The Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) allows the body to separate movement from the upper and lower body. In infants, it is vital to help a child position for crawling (so it's probably still there if your kiddo skipped crawling). When retained, it can create a messy eater, slumped posture, 'W' sitting, difficulty reading/writing unless leaning/lying on side, and poor time awareness. 

Spinal Galant: The Spinal Galant reflex helps shift whole body movement to same-side movement- especially during birth with sound vibrations. If retained, it can create ADHD symptoms, bedwetting outside of typical age, and poor memory.

Babkin: The Babkin reflex connects the hand and mouth of infants to aid in breastfeeding. It also allows a child to wrap their hand around your finger as you stimulate the reaction by palm touch. Retained Babkin can create feeding difficulty in infants or difficulty with writing, scissor use, speech and motor coordination in aging.

Babinski: The Babinski reflex is stimulated by stroking the bottom of the foot and a positive Babinski after age 2 can indicate a neurological concern with the Central Nervous System.