Primitive Reflex Integration

Primitive reflexes are instinctual movements that babies are born with, like the Moro reflex (startle response) or rooting reflex (turning towards touch). As children grow, these reflexes should integrate and make room for more advanced skills. This process of integration is essential for healthy neurological development.

If these reflexes persist longer than expected, it may indicate developmental delays. In individuals with Autism, ADHD, social issues, or learning issues, these reflexes may persist beyond their expected timeline or fail to integrate fully. This can have a significant impact on their motor coordination, social interactions, and learning abilities. These persistent reflexes can interfere with daily activities, hinder social engagement, and contribute to challenges in acquiring and retaining new skills. Understanding and addressing these primitive reflexes is an important aspect of therapy and intervention strategies aimed at supporting individuals with Autism, ADHD, social issues, and learning issues.

Moro (Startle ) Reflex

The Moro reflex is triggered by a loud noise. This reflex is a survival mechanism, helping infants to respond to potential threats. If the Moro reflex does not integrate properly, children may exhibit exaggerated startle responses to sensory stimuli, such as unexpected loud noises or sudden movements. This heightened sensitivity can lead to difficulties with self-regulation, increased anxiety, and challenges with attention and concentration.

Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex

ATNR plays a role in the development of hand-eye coordination and body awareness. If the ATNR fails to integrate properly, it can impact motor skills and coordination. Children may have difficulties with bilateral coordination, such as crossing the midline or using both hands simultaneously. Fine motor tasks like writing or tying shoelaces can become challenging. The persistence of the ATNR can affect visual tracking and cause issues with reading and attention.

Grasp (Palmar) Reflex

When an object is placed in an infant’s palm, they automatically close their hand around it. The grasp reflex is an important precursor to voluntary hand control. As the nervous system matures, the grasp reflex integrates, allowing infants to develop more intentional and coordinated hand movements. If the grasp reflex doesn't integrate properly, it can affect fine motor skills. Individuals may have difficulty with handwriting, using utensils, or tying shoelaces.

Babinski (Plantar) Reflex

When the Babinski reflex persists, it can disrupt the normal pattern of movement and coordination needed for activities like walking and running. The reflex can cause an abnormal foot position while in motion. This can affect balance, stability, and the efficiency of movement. Individuals may experience difficulties with maintaining a proper stride, coordinating their steps, and maintaining a smooth gait.

Symmetric Tonic Neck Reflex

The STNR is triggered by changes in head position, causing the arms to either extend or flex depending on the direction of the head movement. The STNR helps infants in the early stages of crawling and transitioning from lying to sitting positions. However, if the STNR fails to integrate properly, it can lead to difficulties with coordination and balance. Individuals may experience challenges with tasks that require both hands to work together, such as tying shoelaces or using utensils.

Spinal Galant Reflex

The Spinal Galant reflex aids in the birthing process by assisting the baby's passage through the birth canal. If it persists, it can lead to challenges in attention, focus, and postural control. Individuals may exhibit excessive fidgeting, difficulties with sitting still, or a preference for leaning to one side while sitting. This can affect their ability to concentrate and engage in learning activities.

Stepping Reflex

The stepping reflex is a primitive reflex observed in infants. When their feet touch a surface, they will make stepping motions as if walking. This reflex is a precursor to independent walking. As the nervous system matures, the stepping reflex typically integrates, and infants develop the ability to bear weight and walk independently. If the stepping reflex fails to integrate properly, it can impact a person's ability to coordinate and control their leg movements. They may experience difficulties with balance, coordination, and walking.

Rooting Reflex

The rooting reflex is when infants turn their head and open their mouth in response to touch or stimulation on the cheek or mouth area. This reflex helps infants locate the source of food and facilitates breastfeeding. As infants grow, the rooting reflex integrates, allowing them to voluntarily control their head movements and feeding. If the rooting reflex does not integrate, it can result in challenges with feeding and oral motor control. Individuals may have difficulties with transitioning from bottle to solid foods, oral sensitivity, or problems with speech articulation.

Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex

The TLR is a primitive reflex that affects an individual's body orientation in relation to gravity, and aids in the development of posture and balance. If the TLR doesn't integrate, individuals may experience difficulties with maintaining proper posture, coordination, and balance. This can affect activities such as sitting upright, walking, or participating in sports that require good balance.