PRIMITIVE REFLEX SCREENING, TESTING & TREATMENT PLANNING

Primitive reflexes are involuntary movement patterns that are used to assist with survival and help with multiple areas of development throughout infancy. 

These reflexes are meant to integrate (go away) on their own as the child becomes more mature and they develop voluntary movement patterns. Integration of primitive reflexes allow higher-level movement and learning to develop. 

If a specific reflex is retained, it may affect a specific area of development. Each primitive reflex comes with its own set of movements and leads to new and different developmental milestones. When children ( and adults! ) retain these reflexes, they can often struggle with:

• SOCIAL SKILLS
• COORDINATION FOR PLAYING SPORTS, GAMES, DANCE, SWIM, GYM Class, GYMNASTICS
• EMOTIONAL REGULATION
• PROBLEM SOLVING
• FOCUSING IN CLASS
• READING AND WRITING 
• ANXIETY

Not a lot of definitive research has been done to determine exactly why primitive reflexes may be retained, but some potential factors have been identified. Certain cases during pregnancy, delivery, birth, and infancy can affect these reflexes. Correlation has been noted,  but not a guarantee that a primitive reflex will be retained. 

Also, a traumatic occurance can cause them to re-appear after they have been integrated. 

• Rooting and Suck Reflex
• Palmar Grasp Reflex
• Spinal Galant Reflex
• Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)
• Moro Reflex
• Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)
• Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)
• Landau Reflex

The prevalence of these reflexes can be assessed from skilled testing, please contact Adventure Therapy Services today by clicking below if you think you'd like a formal Primitive Reflex Assessment.  You can note that you were interested in testing primitive reflexes. 

I also offer screening checklists for Parents, Adults, and Educators / Teachers.