What are Primitive Reflexes?
Primitive reflexes are automatic, involuntary movements that infants are born with. These reflexes are typically present in newborns and young infants and are thought to have evolved to support the baby's survival and early development. Primitive reflexes help infants respond to their environment and protect themselves from potential harm. As the central nervous system matures, these involuntary primitive reflexes are gradually replaced by more purposeful, voluntary movements. Failure to retain primitive reflexes as expected can cause neurological or developmental delays, sensory issues, behavioral issues and issues with balance and coordination.
Here are a few primitive reflexes seen in newborns and their descriptions:
Rooting Reflex: When a baby's cheek or mouth is touched, they instinctively turn their head toward the stimulus and open their mouth, searching for a nipple. This reflex helps with breastfeeding and ensures the baby can find and latch onto the mother's breast.
Sucking Reflex: If an object is placed in the baby's mouth or they touch the roof of their mouth, they will automatically start sucking. This reflex supports feeding.
Moro Reflex (Startle Reflex): When a baby is suddenly startled by a loud noise or abrupt movement, they will throw their arms and legs out and then pull them back in, often with crying.
Grasping Reflex: If an object is placed in a baby's palm, they will automatically close their fingers around it.
Babinski Reflex: When the sole of a baby's foot is stroked, their toes will fan out and their big toe will extend upward. This reflex typically disappears by the age of two and is replaced by more controlled toe movements.
Walking/Stepping Reflex: If you hold a newborn upright with their feet touching a solid surface, they will make stepping movements. This reflex usually disappears after a couple of months but may reappear before true walking begins.
Primitive reflexes serve an important role in an infant's early development and survival. However, as a child grows and their central nervous system matures, these reflexes should gradually disappear and be replaced by more complex, voluntary motor skills and behaviors. If the primitive reflex is not integrated correctly it can cause the central nervous system to become overwhelmed with sensory information. Each primitive reflex has a specific purpose and function in the body throughout that first year of life but if they are not integrated correctly they can cause sensory and developmental issues and can be linked to the symptoms associated with ADD/ADHD and autism. In the next few blog posts we will go through each individual primitive reflex and the symptoms associated with the failure to integrate each reflex.