Embracing Everyday Independence

Primitive Reflexes are the special reflexes that develop in the brain stem before birth. These reflexes are automatic movements and require no conscious thought. They help the baby with positioning in the womb, birthing, feeding and development in the first months of life. Most of these Primitive Reflexes go away as higher functions of the brain and muscle control develop. If these reflexes remain after the first year of life they interfere with the neurological organization of the brain.

Since Primitive Reflexes start at the base of the brain, functions that try to develop above them do not wire properly. It can cause or contribute to: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Sensory Processing Disorders, Hyper Activity, ADHD, Speech Disorders, Social Disorders, Asthma, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Immune Disorders and learning disabilities

There are many children and adults that for one reason or another still have one or more Primitive Reflexes remaining. Some causes may include a difficult birth, C-Section, lack of “tummy time” (too much time laying in seats or swings), lack of crawling, walking early, exposure to toxins, head injuries, physical and/or emotional trauma.

Primitive Reflexes can be integrated through occupational therapy. Our therapists will assess the integrity of your child’s central nervous system. A customized exercise program will then be implemented to facilitate integration of these foundational reflexes. The goal is to improve the neural pathway development which will allow for more mature movement patterns and higher-level learning that may have been previously blocked. If your child has any symptoms of Retained Primitive Reflexes contact Pediatrics in the Pines Occupational Therapy for an evaluation.