Reflexes

The primitive reflexes are the reflex actions arising from Central Nervous System, that are typically present in very early childhood, but not present in healthy older kids or “neuro-typical” adults. These reflexes are involuntary actions developed by the brain during infancy to help survival, for example breastfeeding, movement and grasping.

Those reflexes however should disappear (integrate) with age – around 1-2 years old. So as the brain matures, these reflexes are no longer needed. Retention of these reflexes however, can affect nervous systems regulation, speech, learning, motor control and movement, posture, memory and concentration, social engagement etc.

The reflexes are one of the most common tools used by physicians / therapists to assess the integrity of the central nervous system in infants and children. These reflexes are not desirable in older children or adult and may indicate under-development of parts of the brain.

Some possible causes of retained reflexes

could be Cesarean section, trauma (physical & emotional), exposure to toxins, anesthetics, medications etc. Other possible causes: decreased tummy time in infancy, short period or lack of crawling, walking early, chronic ear infections, head injuries. Obviously, all of these things do not result in retained reflexes, but they are possible causes.

During our initial session, we will test to see if any of these reflexes have been “retained”. If so, we will work to integrate these and in doing so, allow the more higher order thinking centres of the brain to function as they should.

Examples of common symptoms with reflexes

In the dance between Primitive Reflexes and learning, some kids find their rhythm, while others need a little choreography

In this video,

Erin Liuzzo discusses what reflex integration is, retained primitive reflexes and when you should seek out therapy

Email:
nicole@thestartingpoint.com.au

Telephone:
+61 448 224407

Address:
North Balgowlah, Sydney, NSW

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