Retained Primitive Reflexes Effects on Development
Many children and even adults struggle with behavioural and learning difficulties, often due to developmental delays such as ADHD.
Imagine a child sitting in a classroom, unable to focus, feeling constantly restless due to hyperactivity.
This scenario is more common than you might realise, and one rarely known root cause of these difficulties is that very often, the child's retained primitive reflexes have not been integrated properly in their development.
Understanding Primitive Reflexes
To understand the significance of retained primitive reflexes, we must first appreciate their foundational role in early human psychomotor development.
Primitive reflexes are automatic movements that originate in the brainstem, typically observed in infants. These reflexes, including the Moro reflex and the palmar grasp, play crucial roles in survival, motor patterns, and neurological development in the infant's formative months.
Remarkably, these reflexes should naturally inhibit or "integrate" as a child matures.
However, for many reasons, some individuals retain these reflexes beyond infancy. This retention can hinder developmental milestones and present challenges in cognitive, motor, and emotional skills, manifesting in behaviours that impact daily life and learning environments.
What Are Retained Primitive Reflexes?
Retained primitive reflexes occur when certain reflexes fail to integrate properly during childhood development.
In the presence of atypical neuromotor development, these reflexes remain active beyond their intended age, leading to various challenges.
Retained primitive reflexes can interfere with the advanced neurological processes required for everyday functions and learning ability.
Often, these unintegrated reflexes manifest in difficulties with motor coordination, sensory processing, and cognitive functions, demanding attention for effective intervention. Interestingly, we also see these “difficulties” manifest in symptoms we better understand as ADHD, Autism and Dyspraxia.
Recognising and addressing these retained reflexes can markedly improve overall well-being and developmental progress.
Children need to take part in motor activity and experience a wide variety of physical movements very early in their development
Common Types of Retained Primitive Reflexes
Among the prevalent retained primitive reflexes, the Moro reflex is particularly noteworthy. Typically fading within the first few months of life, its persistence can lead to hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli and heightened anxiety.
Another frequent example is the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR), often referred to as the "fencing reflex". Its retention past infancy can impede hand-eye coordination, resulting in difficulties with tasks that require parallel processing. Addressing these reflexes through targeted interventions can pave the way for improved neurological and developmental outcomes.
Moro Reflex
The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is a primitive reflex integral to infant development.
The Moro reflex typically disappears by six months of age, but its persistence can indicate underlying neurodevelopmental issues.
Parents and professionals should monitor the longevity of this reflex, as its retention may result in an increased susceptibility to stress and anxiety later in life.
Addressing the Moro reflex through specialised exercises can significantly enhance a child's developmental trajectory, promoting better sensory regulation and emotional stability.
Rooting Reflex
The rooting reflex is a fundamental primitive reflex observed in newborns.
Definition: This reflex facilitates an infant's instinct to turn its head and open its mouth when the cheek is stroked.
Role: It assists in breastfeeding, helping the infant locate and latch onto the nipple.
Normal Disappearance: Typically, this reflex fades by around four months of age.
Retention Issues: If retained, it may disrupt oral motor skills, speech articulation, and feeding patterns.
Intervening with specific therapeutic approaches can alleviate the adverse effects caused by the persistence of this reflex.
Consistent monitoring and early intervention can ensure optimal developmental progress, nurturing the innate potential within every child.
Palmar Grasp Reflex
The palmar grasp reflex is an intrinsic behavioural response observed in newborns.
Definition: This reflex is characterised by the infant's involuntary clenching of their fingers around an object that touches their palm.
Role: It serves as a foundational motor development trait essential for gripping and manipulation skills as the child grows.
Normal Disappearance: Typically, this reflex diminishes by the age of six months.
Retention Issues: If not integrated by this time, it may hinder fine motor functions, such as handwriting and manual dexterity.
Addressing retained primitive reflexes through targeted therapeutic strategies can significantly elevate a child's developmental trajectory.
Early detection and intervention are paramount in ensuring every child has the chance to develop their full potential in motor skills and coordination.
Causes of Retained Primitive Reflexes
Retained primitive reflexes, while concerning, often arise from specific and identifiable causes, which can vary widely in nature.
One primary cause is neurodevelopmental delays due to a myriad of factors, including prenatal complications, birth trauma, or prolonged labour. These situations may impede the brain’s developmental progression, preventing the natural integration of reflexes that typically should occur within the first year of life.
Additionally, a lack of adequate sensory stimulation can be a contributing factor. The early sensory experiences a child undergoes are vital for the brain’s ability to integrate primitive reflexes into more complex motor patterns. Inadequate stimulation might result from limited physical activity, restricted exploration, or even excessive use of restrictive devices like baby carriers and strollers.
Lastly, environmental influences play an essential role in the persistence of these reflexes. Children exposed to high-stress environments, toxins, or insufficient nutrition may face developmental challenges, including the retention of primitive reflexes. Therefore, ensuring a supportive, nurturing environment is crucial for promoting optimal neurodevelopment and facilitating the natural integration of these reflex responses.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Identifying the signs of retained primitive reflexes early allows parents, educators, and healthcare professionals to intervene effectively, preventing a cascade of developmental difficulties and fostering optimal growth.
These manifestations often appear in subtle behavioural or developmental quirks that may be easily overlooked.
Commonly, children may exhibit poor coordination, unusual walking patterns (like toe-walking), and clumsiness.
Others might show signs of sensory processing challenges, such as hypersensitivity to touch or an aversion to certain textures.
Academic struggles, such as difficulty with reading, writing, and concentration, might also signal retained primitive reflexes, suggesting a need for thorough developmental assessment and appropriate interventions.
Moreover, poor posture and balance can be tell tale signs. Consistent monitoring reveals these indicators, underscoring the importance of early detection and professional guidance.
Impact on Child Development
The presence of retained primitive reflexes significantly hinders a child's ability to develop essential skill sets, creating a foundation for ongoing learning and interactions.
Early identification is transformative.
Neurodevelopmental progress remains unparalleled when these reflexes are integrated timely.
Challenges in gross and fine motor skills are often visible.
Emotions and executive functions are frequently affected, impeding social relationships and self-regulation.
Therefore, addressing retained primitive reflexes paves the way for unlocking a child's inherent potential, enabling thriving academic, social, and personal growth trajectories.
How Retained Primitive Reflexes Affect Learning
Retained primitive reflexes can dramatically impact a child's learning experience, hindering their cognitive and physical capabilities.
These reflexes can lead to difficulties with reading, writing, and concentration.
When these reflexes are not integrated properly, the child may struggle with tasks requiring coordination, balance, and fine motor skills, which are essential for classroom activities.
The emotional and psychological toll of these unaddressed reflexes can often manifest as frustration and anxiety, further complicating the learning environment. Therefore, recognising and addressing retained primitive reflexes is paramount for fostering a child's academic success and overall well-being, paving the path towards a confident and capable learner.
Behavioural Issues Linked to Retained Reflexes
Have you ever noticed a child exhibiting excessive fidgeting, behavioural outbursts, or frequent meltdowns in academic settings?
Since 2016, numerous studies, including research conducted by specialists in paediatric neurology, have established clear correlations between retained primitive reflexes and various behavioural issues in children.
Indeed, it's not uncommon for these retained reflexes to trigger a cascade of challenges affecting a child's ability to regulate emotions, focus attention, and effectively manage stress.
Parents and educators often observe that children with these unintegrated reflexes exhibit signs similar to those we usually understand to be symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, and other behavioural disorders; which ultimately affect the academic achievement and social interactions of our young people.
Understanding the underlying neurological factors can therefore provide a pivotal advantage in addressing these challenges, guiding both parents and educators towards effective interventions.
Strategies for Addressing Retained Reflexes
To truly address retained primitive reflexes, a multifaceted approach is imperative, blending targeted physical exercises with consistent therapeutic engagements. These strategies aim to stimulate neuroplasticity, fostering integrated neural pathways that facilitate optimal functioning.
One effective method involves the implementation of rhythmic movements and activities, known as "integrated reflex exercises". These are designed to replicate infant motor patterns, thereby promoting the maturation of neurological pathways. With regular practice, these exercises can gradually diminish the impact of retained reflexes, allowing children to experience enhanced cognitive and behavioural outcomes.
Here at Learning DNA, we offer integrated reflex therapies as part of our bespoke therapeutic programmes for our clients run by our in house Occupation Therapist and Movement Specialist. Within our 360 assessments, we test for retained primitive reflexes and then consider the impact of these on the whole child and their learning. We are really fortunate to house a multi-disciplinary team here at Learning DNA where we look at the whole child, rather than just explore one set of symptoms. This means that no stones are ever left unturned and you and your child know exactly how to make progress through the bespoke therapeutic programme we create for them.
Book a free consultation today here to get a 360 degree assessment booked for your child.
Further research and reading: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9301367/