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Primitive Reflexes

Babies are born with a set of reflexes that help them transition to life outside the womb. They use these reflexes to survive and to develop more advanced skills. These reflexes should disappear during the first year and are eventually replaced with more advanced matures reflexes and neurological circuits. Certain things can interrupt this process and prevent these reflexes from integrating and developing properly. This can negatively impact the way the rest of the brain develops and functions. 

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Moro

The Moro is the infant startle reflex. It is triggered by any sudden change in the environment. The baby takes a breath, their arms flail out and then grasp back in. This reflex develops in pregnancy and should eventually be replaced with a more mature startle reflex around 4 months of age. When this reflex doesn't integrate properly you can see a lot of problems as children age. 

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

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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 and the opposite arm and leg bend. This reflex help with the birth process and begins to jumpstart visual motor skills. While it is 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

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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. It helps develop their muscle and visual skills. 

Common STNR Symptoms

  • Poor balance and coordination

  • Poor visual skills

  • Poor posture

  • Difficulty with reading, writing and math

  • W sitting

  • Difficulty with attention

  • Poor hand-eye coordination

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At

Patterns of Hope

We provide a comprehensive assessment that looks at MANY different areas of neurological maturity. Primitive reflexes are one of these areas. The provide us with positive sign posts of developmental immaturity. We never look at reflexes alone. Our assessment looks at each of the following areas:

  • Primitive reflexes

  • Postural reflexes

  • Visual-motor skills

  • Balance and coordination

  • Visual-perception skills

  • Vestibular function

  • Dysdiadochokinesia

  • Cerebellum function 

This gives us a big picture of how a child's nervous system is functioning. When you look at the whole picture and work from the bottom-up you can see AMAZING changes in maturity and brain development. 

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