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Primitive Reflexes

Babies are born with a set of reflexes that help them transition to life outside the womb. They rely on these reflexes for survival and to develop more advanced skills. These reflexes should disappear during the first year and be replaced with more advanced postural reflexes and neurological circuits. However certain factors can interrupt this process and prevent the proper intergration and development of these reflexes. This disruption can negatively affect the developments and function of the rest of the brain.

Moro

The Moro is the infant startle reflex. It is triggered by any sudden change in the environment. When it is triggered, the baby takes a breath, their arms flail out, and then grasp back in. This reflex develops in pregnancy and should be replaced with a more mature version around four months of age. When this reflex doesn't integrate properly, it can lead to various issues as children continue to grow and mature.

Common Moro Symptoms

Poor balance and coordination
Hypersensitive
Hyposensitive
Hyperactive
Anxious/Fearful
Poor impulse control
Emotional immaturity
Prone to motion sickness
Immune issues
Stimming
OCD behaviors

Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)

The ATNR is triggered when a baby turns their head to the side. The arm and leg on that side extend, while the opposite arm and leg bend. This reflex aids in the birth process and helps jumpstart visual-motor skills. While it's present, it creates a strong connection between the head, eyes and hand.

Common ATNR Symptoms

Poor visual tracking
Difficulty crossing midline
Reading and writing delays
Poor balance and coordination
Poor hand-eye coordination

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Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)

The TLR is triggered by extension or flexion of the head. When the head extends, the arms and legs extend; when the head flexes the arms and legs flex. This reflex helps babies develop muscle tone, visual- motor skills, and good vestibular function.

Common TLR Symptoms

Poor balance and coordination
Difficulty with visual-motor skills
Low muscle tone
High muscle tone
Reading, writing, and math difficulties
Motion sickness
Poor posture
Toe walking

Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)

The STNR is also triggered by a change in head position. When the head extends, the arms extend, and the legs flex. When the head flexes, the arms flex, and the legs extend. Babies use this reflex when they are crawling, as it helps develop muscle tone and visual skills.

Common STNR Symptoms

Poor balance and coordination
Poor visual skills
Poor posture
Difficulty with reading, writing, and math
W sitting position
Difficulty with attention
Poor hand-eye coordination

Patterns of Hope

Our comprehensive assessment looks at variours areas of neurological maturity, with primitive reflexes being one of the key areas we examine. They provide valuable insites into developmental immaturity. However, we never look at reflexes in isolation. Our assessment includes an evaluation of the following areas:

Primitive reflexes
Postural reflexes
Visual-motor skills
Balance and coordination
Visual perception skills
Vestibular functioning
Dysdiadochokinesia
Cerebellum function

This gives us a comprehensive view of how a child's nervous system is functioning. By looking at the whole picture and work from the bottom-up, we can witness incredible changes in maturity and brain development.