What are they?
Primitive reflexes are a series of reflexes that often begin in the womb. They have a function to play in birth and early survival of a baby and many of them will be familiar to those with children such as the startle reflex.
Each of the reflexes serves a purpose. As babies develop they use the reflexes and then, in time, the reflex diminishes. Typically primitive reflexes come and go at different times, most are gone by the time a baby is 12 months old and other reflexes, known as postural reflexes, appear. There are times that the reflex doesn’t disappear and is still present in older children or adults. These reflexes are often referred to as ‘retained’. Retained primitive reflexes can cause issues with coordination, fine motor skills, handwriting, sleep, sensory processing, concentration, bladder control, emotions and social skills amongst others. That isn’t to say that they are always a bad thing, but that if they are causing an issue it’s better that they go.
Over the next few blogs in this series we will discuss the most commonly retained reflexes. Chiropractor Philippa uses programs such as Rhythmical Movement Training and the Move to Learn program to help integrate the reflexes.
Keep an eye out for Philippa’s next Blog with a more comprehensive look at the startle reflex.