Unlocking Your Child’s Potential: Understanding Primitive Reflexes
Primitive reflexes are automatic movements that develop during infancy, playing a key role in early survival and neurological development. As a baby’s brain matures, these reflexes should naturally integrate, or fade away. However, when reflexes do not integrate properly, they can interfere with a child’s growth, motor skills, and cognitive development.
At Neurohealth Wellness, we specialize in identifying and addressing retained primitive reflexes to support your child’s optimal development. Let’s explore what primitive reflexes are, their importance, and how they can affect children if retained.
What Are Primitive Reflexes?
Primitive reflexes are instinctual movements that assist in early-stage functions such as feeding, movement, and responding to stimuli. These reflexes include the sucking reflex for feeding and the startle reflex for protection. Typically, these reflexes integrate as the nervous system matures, allowing voluntary control of movement.
When these reflexes remain active past infancy, they can interfere with motor skills, learning abilities, and emotional regulation.
Key Primitive Reflexes
Here are some of the most important primitive reflexes that we evaluate for proper integration:
1. Fear Paralysis Reflex (FPR)
The FPR is a response to stress or fear, often seen in utero. When retained, children may develop anxiety, social withdrawal, and difficulty managing stress.
2. Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)
The TLR affects balance, posture, and muscle tone. Retention can cause issues with coordination, posture, and movement, making children appear clumsy or awkward.
3. Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)
The ATNR assists in hand-eye coordination and lateral movement. If retained, it can affect a child’s ability to cross the midline of the body, impacting reading, writing, and sports.
4. Moro Reflex
Known as the "startle reflex," the Moro reflex is an early defense mechanism. If retained, children may become oversensitive to sensory input, leading to anxiety, emotional outbursts, and difficulty with impulse control.
5. Spinal Galant Reflex
This reflex plays a role in developing the ability to crawl. Retention may cause bedwetting, hyperactivity, or difficulty sitting still due to sensitivity in the lower back.
6. Symmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)
STNR is essential for developing the ability to crawl, sit, and walk. If retained, children may experience poor posture, difficulty sitting for long periods, and challenges in coordination.
7. Babinski Reflex
When the sole of a baby’s foot is stroked, the toes fan out. This reflex should integrate as the child matures. Retention in older children or adults may signal neurological issues and can affect walking or balance.
8. Palmar Grasp Reflex
This reflex helps babies grasp objects. When retained, it may lead to difficulty with fine motor tasks, such as writing or using tools, and contribute to poor hand-eye coordination.
9. Rooting and Sucking Reflex
These reflexes assist with feeding in infancy. If retained, they may lead to oral development issues, speech problems, and difficulties with chewing or swallowing.
10. Snout Reflex
This reflex, associated with feeding, involves lip puckering when the mouth is touched. Retention can lead to speech difficulties and poor muscle control in the mouth.
Why Retained Reflexes Matter
When primitive reflexes remain active, they can disrupt your child’s motor development, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. Symptoms of retained reflexes can manifest in various ways, such as:
- Learning Difficulties: Retained reflexes can interfere with reading, writing, focus, and problem-solving abilities.
- Emotional Dysregulation: Children may experience heightened anxiety, impulsivity, and difficulty managing stress or emotions.
- Motor Challenges: Retention of reflexes may cause poor balance, coordination, clumsiness, and difficulty with tasks requiring fine motor skills.
- Social and Behavioral Concerns: Children may struggle to engage in group activities or interact with peers due to the impacts of retained reflexes.
The Role of Chiropractic Care in Reflex Integration
At Neurohealth Wellness, our specialized chiropractic care helps children overcome retained primitive reflexes by supporting proper nervous system function. Our approach includes:
- Chiropractic Adjustments: Gentle adjustments help balance the nervous system, enabling proper reflex integration.
- Targeted Reflex Integration Exercises: We use tailored exercises to help children integrate retained reflexes, improving coordination and cognitive function.
- Holistic Support: Our team provides guidance on lifestyle changes, nutrition, and complementary therapies to enhance your child’s development.
Conclusion
Primitive reflexes play a critical role in early childhood development, but when they don’t integrate properly, they can lead to long-term challenges. With the right care, retained reflexes can be addressed, supporting your child’s full potential for physical, emotional, and cognitive growth.
If you’re concerned about your child’s development or suspect retained primitive reflexes, Neurohealth Wellness is here to help. Schedule a consultation with us to learn how chiropractic care and reflex integration can benefit your child.
Contact us today to book an appointment or learn more. Visit www.neurohealthwellness.com.au or call (02) 9905 9099.
References:
1. Einspieler, C., Bos, A. F., Libertus, M. E., & Marschik, P. B. (2020). The General Movements Assessment Helps Us to Identify Preterm Infants at Risk for Cognitive Dysfunction. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 123.
2. McPhillips, M., & Jordan-Black, J. A. (2020). The Effects of Retained Primitive Reflexes on Academic Performance in Children Aged 5–7 Years. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 62(10), 1234–1242.
3. Melillo, R. (2021). Autism, ADHD, and the Brain: Understanding and Integrating Primitive Reflexes for Improved Learning and Behavior. Journal of Pediatric Neuropsychology, 7(2), 83-94.
4. Liao, C. M., & Young, J. J. (2020). Primitive Reflexes and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Child Neurology, 35(12), 869–876.
