Reflex Basics
Primitive reflexes are strongest during this stage of life
INFANCY
When a baby’s cheek is touched, they turn toward it and start sucking
rooting reflex
Difficulty sitting still in class or fidgeting more than peers can indicate this.
retained reflexes
Reflexes help babies.....
SURVIVE. DEVELOP.
Slow, repetitive movement helps do this to reflexes
INTEGRATEEE
Primitive reflexes should disappear by this age range
1st year of life
Touching the palm causes the baby to grasp automatically
Palmar reflex
A child’s grip is either too tight on pencils or objects, making fine motor tasks like writing or buttoning difficult. This may be a sign of a retained…
palmar reflex
When working on Interactive Metronome what are we working on?
timing, rhythm, and attention.
crawling is important for integrating this reflex
ATNR
This part of the brain primarily controls primitive reflexes
brain stem
Gentle stroking along one side of the spine makes the hip and leg bend toward that side
spinal galant reflex
Poor posture, slouching, or trouble holding the head upright could indicate a retained…
TLR
A child that struggles with rollercoaster rides, hanging upside down, car rides (gets car sick) and rolling down a hill. It might be because this sense is underdeveloped.
VESTIBULAR SENSE
Movements that involve controlled changes in head position relative to gravity are used to integrate this reflex
TLR
If primitive reflexes don’t go away, they can make this harder to control
Movement (body control, coordination)
Retained reflex can make children overreact to sudden movement or noises
Moro reflex
Messy handwriting, poor letter formation, or difficulty staying within lines can signal a retained…
Tell us which ones and why ex)ATNR, Palm
child is clumsy, always leaning on parents while walking, craves deep hugs, unaware of own strength (ex: slamming doors) This reflects an underdeveloped ______
Proprioception
Other ways we work on Moro reflex other than starfish
trust falls, head drops, rocket ship, etc.
The process of reflexes disappearing and being replaced with voluntary control
integration
A child who can’t smoothly reach across their body to grab objects may have this reflex still active
ATNR
When seated for long periods, the child neither rocks nor shifts their hips, and the torso remains unusually rigid. This unresponsiveness suggests a retained
Spinal Galant Reflex
improve break system of body, control our movements, improve processing, stamina, and endurance.
This reflex is addressed through activities that link head lifting with simultaneous spinal and leg extension
Landau reflex