As pediatric occupational therapists, we receive many questions from parents about the significance of primitive reflexes in babies and young children. While these automatic body responses and movement patterns emerge before birth, their integration and suppression during key windows impacts several areas of future development.
At BUILD Pediatric Occupational Therapy in Cincinnati, our therapists have an in-depth understanding of typical primitive reflex progression and how abnormal reflex retention may contribute to potential delays or difficulties with motor skills, sensory processing, learning, behavior and more. Here's a closer look at primitive reflexes.
What Are Primitive Reflexes?
Primitive reflexes are involuntary movements and reactions present at birth and are critical for a newborn's survival. Some examples include:
Rooting reflex to turn head toward food source when cheek is stroked
Palmar grasp of fingers tightly curling around an object touching the palm
Moro "startle" reflex extending arms when sensing a fall
Tonic neck reflex stiffening the body when the head moves
These reflexes emerge during pregnancy as the neural pathways start developing. They provide built-in protections and motor foundations for the fetus and newborn until higher brain centers can take over more sophisticated movement and postural control.
The Significance of Reflex Integration
Most primitive reflexes typically become integrated (inhibited) or reorganized into more mature movement patterns within the first year of life in a predictable sequence. This progression is recognized as a key developmental milestone.
As stated by The Handbook of Pediatric Neuropsychology, "Normal integration and inhibition of these reflexes gives way to developing motor abilities and allows for higher brain centers to become dominant over lower antiquated structures."
When Reflex Retention Becomes a Concern
While some temporary reflex retention up to 6 months is normal, persistent primitive reflexes beyond their expected timeframes can be an early indicator of developmental concerns or neurological deficits impairing sensory processing and motor control.
For instance, the AOTA notes that retained Moro or asymmetrical tonic neck reflexes may negatively impact attention, posture, balance, coordination and hand-eye skills needed for self-care, play, handwriting and other daily occupations.
How Occupational Therapy Can Help
Pediatric OTs are trained to formally assess and identify abnormal primitive reflex patterns through observation and specific testing measures. From this assessment, the occupational therapist can provide specific reflex inhibition exercises and sensory-motor activities tailored to integrating or suppressing problematic primitive reflexes that may be limiting function. Along with optimizing postural control and stability, this lays a stronger foundational base for acquiring higher-level developmental skills.
If you have any concerns about your child's reflex patterns, motor delays or sensory-based behaviors, the compassionate Occupational Therapy team at BUILD can provide an evaluation and help get the right supports in place.Â