Primitive Reflexes

Primitive Reflexes are motor responses elicited by touch, movement or change in body position. They are present right before and at child birth. Most primitive reflexes should be integrated by the first year of life. However, these reflexes may remain present or reemerge as a result of central nervous system dysfunction due to trauma or stress. We each handle trauma in our own ways, so what may be of little effect to one person could be of huge effect with someone else. Having reflexes present may interfere with motor milestones, movement, and function. Below is a summary of a variety of reflexes that are present at birth, why they are important and how they can affect an individual if not integrated. Exercises may be implemented by your therapist to help assist with the integration of these reflexes. Some primitive reflexes that may be tested at Medical Support Services include:

The MORO Reflex

• What is it? The MORO reflex is a startle or protective reflex to help an infant cling to their mother. If the MORO reflex is not integrated, a person is in a constant “fight or flight” response never letting their nervous system take a break.
• When should it be integrated? The MORO reflex is typically integrated at 4-6 months. However, it should ultimately be integrated by the time a child turns one year old.
• What may make me think it is still present? If a child gets easily motion sick (car sick, avoids swings), poor balance/coordination, poor stamina, poor/inconsistent eye contact, sensitivity to light and/or sound, allergies or sensitivity to multiple foods, adverse reactions to drugs, hypoglycemia, dislike of change or mood swing, anxiety, and poor math sense, there is a good potential your child or yourself still has the MORO reflex present. 

The Palmar Reflex

• What is it? The palmar reflex aids in the process of fine motor and grasp development.
• When should it be integrated? The palmar reflex is typically integrated at 4-6 months. However, it should ultimately be integrated by the time a child turns one year old.
• What may make me think it is still present?  sensitive palms, difficulty utilizing a pincer grasp (can my child pick up a cheerio with their thumb and pointer finger?), poor manual dexterity (holding items in one hand), poor handwriting, makes mouth movements when writing or drawing (does my child stick their tongue out when working on writing or coloring?), speech and articulation issues, hands in fists at rest, and tight grasps on utensils.

Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)

• What is it? TLR aides in the development of balance and understanding where the body is positioned in space. Babies use this to help build strong muscles in the neck and head needed for tummy time and crawling.  
• When should it be integrated? TLR is typically integrated at 6 months. However, it should ultimately be integrated by the time a child turns one year old.
  • What may make me think it is still present? Symptoms that TLR has not yet been integrated include poor posture, poor muscle tone, poor sense of balance, difficulty participating in upper body sports, visual problems (bringing eyes together), difficulty with body awareness and motor planning, poor sequencing and sense of time, and articulation problems.

Spinal Galant

• What is it? Spinal Galant encourages movement of an infant’s hips to prepare them for crawling. Therefore, tummy time is so important!
• When should it be integrated? Spinal Galant is typically integrated at 2 months. However, it should be integrated by the time a child turns one year old.
• What may make me think it is still present? Symptoms that spinal Galant may be integrated include fidgeting, bedwetting, poor attention or focus, poor memory, poor organization, sensory integration dysfunction, auditory processing disorder, difficulty seeing or reading up close.

Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)

• What is it? ATNR aids in the development of depth perception and hand-eye coordination. ATNR works with those strong muscles in order to help a baby roll over and explore their environment.
• When should it be integrated? ATNR is typically integrated at 4-6 months. However, it should ultimately be integrated by the time a child turns one year old.
• What may make me think it is still present? Symptoms that ATNR may not yet be integrated include: difficulty bringing eyes together, difficulty visually tracking horizontally, poor balance, difficulty with right vs. left, mixes up “d” and “b” or other letters and numbers, difficulty skipping or marching, difficulty crossing midline, mixed or no hand dominance, poor handwriting, and/or  poor expression of ideas on paper.

Symmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)

• STNR is not a primitive reflex, so it is not developed until after a baby is born. The reflex develops once ATNR has been integrated and helps with posture and muscle coordination needed for walking.
• What is it? STNR encourages the transition from laying to crawling and walking.
• When should it be integrated? STNR is typically integrated at 8-12 months
• What may make me think it is still present? Symptoms that STNR may not yet be integrated include: difficulty bringing eyes together, difficulty tracking vertically, difficulty seeing or reading from a close distance, poor posture, ape-like walk, “W” position when sitting, poor hand-eye coordination, difficulty learning to swim (child has difficulty floating or keeping body in a flat position), messy eater, and poor attention with a wandering mind.

Primitive Reflexes are one of many considerations that help our body survive and explore the world around us. Many times, children and adults may have a primitive reflex still present without any difficulties, and that is okay! Everyone is different and not all of these may apply to you or your child. However, if you have concerns, talk with a therapist today as there are different approaches and techniques to help integrate these reflexes and help your body function in the best way possible.

Thank you for reading!​