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Primitive Reflexes – Why should I worry about that?! 

Primitive Reflexes are actions that originate from our brainstem and are present at birth that help facilitate survival skills. These reflexes are automatic responses from the baby’s central nervous system and will integrate, or “disappear” within the first 6 months of life or so as the brain matures.  

So What?  

A child that has primitive reflexes that are still visible in childhood may have more difficulty completing age appropriate tasks on their own. Let’s break it down and see what the purpose of some of these common reflexes are and why we don’t want them to stay with us as we get older! 

Moro 

This is known as the “startle reflex” and helps us to develop our fight or flight reactions.  

What happens if this reflex is not integrated when my child gets older?  

Your child may experience:  

  • Hyperactivity 
  • Hypersensitivity to visual and auditory sensory input  
  • Poor coordination/balance and motion sickness  
  • Poor attention  
  • Impulsivity/aggression – emotional immaturity  

Common Diagnoses: ADD, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder 

Common Health Problems: Allergies, Asthma, Adrenal Fatigue 

How can I tell if this reflex is present in my child? 

Have the child stand in a “pigeon toe “ position with toes point in towards each other. Once in position, have them walk backwards. If they bring an arm up this indicates they possibly DO still have a moro reflex. If they are able to keep both arms down while walking, this indicates that the reflex is NOT present. 

Palmar Grasp Reflex 

This reflex causes newborns to press down on an object with their fingers when it is placed into their palm.  

What happens if this reflex is not integrated when my child gets older?  

Your child may experience:  

  • Poor writing skills and difficulty with pencil grip 
  • Poor manual dexterity and visual coordination  
  • Correlated speech and hand movements 
  • Dysfunction of the tactile and proprioceptive sensory systems (example: hypersensitive palm of hand) 

Common Diagnoses: dysgraphia, speech and language problems 

How can I tell if this reflex is present in my child? 

Have the child hold their hand out with the palm up. Use an object to apply pressure along the crease closest to the thumb and run it down to the wrist. If you notice their elbow or fingers twitching this indicates they could possibly DO still have a palmar grasp reflex. If their hand is able to keep their hand completely still this may indicate that they do NOT have a palmar grasp reflex.  

Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) 

This reflex assists with movement through the birth canal at delivery and is important for cross pattern movements. 

What happens if this reflex is not integrated when my child gets older?  

Your child may experience:  

  • Poor visual motor skills and tracking 
  • Difficulty crossing midline 
  • Poor hand-eye coordination  
  • Problems with math and reading 
  • Uncoordinated gait  

How can I tell if this reflex is present in my child?

 

Have your child on their hands and knees with their body relaxed. Turn their head slowly from side to side. If the arm that is opposite the direction they are looking bends, this indicates they possibly DO have ATNR present. If they are able to keep both arm straight the whole time, this indicates they possibly do NOT have this reflex present.  

Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR) 

This reflex send sensory information to the brain about the body’s position in space.  

What happens if this reflex is not integrated when my child gets older?  

Your child may experience:  

  • Poor spatial awareness and posture  
  • Weak muscles  
  • Hypermobility of joints  
  • Toe walking  
  • Poor balance  

Common Diagnoses: ADD, ADHD  

How can I tell if this reflex is present in my child? 

Have the child lay on their stomach with their arms and legs straight out and have them lift their head, shoulders, arms, and legs off the ground while keeping them straight and close to their side. If you notice their legs or arms bending or their body curving, this may indicate that they DO have the TLR present. If they are able to maintain the position, this indicates the child may NOT have TLR present. 

Symmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) 

This reflex is the foundation for crawling and for your child getting on their hands and knees  

What happens if this reflex is not integrated when my child gets older?  

Your child may experience:  

  • Poor posture while sitting and/or standing and difficulty holding head upright  
  • Low muscle tone 
  • Poor hand-eye coordination 
  • W-sitting  
  • Sloppy/messy eater  

How can I tell if this reflex is present in my child? 

Have the child on their hands and knees with moving their head to look up as far as they can, then down as far as the can. If you notice the child shifting their weight, bending their arms, arching their back, or see their back twitching this may indicate that they DO have STNR present. If they are able to stay in position while moving their head, this may indicate that they do NOT have STNR present. 

If your child struggles with any of the aforementioned tasks or you believe they may still have a retained reflex based on the exercises, reach out to an occupational therapist for a screening or evaluation to determine if any of their retained reflexes are still present and causing them long term difficulties. 

Amanda Isgrigg, M.S., OTR/L