Primitive reflexes are those automatic movements babies are born with to help them survive and develop early on. You might notice these reflexes, for example when a baby instinctively grips your finger or turns their head when you stroke their cheek.
 
Some common primitive reflexes:
  • Moro reflex (startle reflex)
  • Rooting reflex
  • Sucking reflex
  • Palmar grasp reflex (grasping objects with the palm)
  • Plantar grasp reflex (curling toes when sole of foot is touched)
  • Babinski reflex (toes fan out and curl when sole of foot is stroked)
  • Asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (turning the head to one side causes arm on that side to extend and opposite arm to flex)
  • Symmetrical tonic neck reflex (when head is flexed, arms flex and legs extend, and vice versa when head is extended)
  • Tonic labyrinthine reflex (extension of limbs when placed in a prone position or flexion when supine)
  • Spinal Galant reflex (arching toward one side of the back when stroked on the opposite side)

Normally, these reflexes fade away by the time a baby is about 12 months old as they start learning more advanced movements.
But sometimes, these reflexes stick around longer than they should, these are called retained primitive reflexes.
If they hang on too long, they can potentially mess with how a child learns to move and think.
Studies suggests that retained primitive reflexes might lead to issues with things like coordination, balance, and even school performance later on.

That's why it's important for healthcare professionals, like chiropractors, to spot these issues early and help kids get back on track with their development.

Here are some symptoms commonly associated with retained primitive reflexes:
  • Poor coordination and balance
  • Difficulty with fine motor skills (like writing or tying shoelaces)
  • Sensory processing difficulties (such as being overly sensitive to touch or sound)
  • Challenges in attention and concentration
  • Emotional regulation issues (like sudden mood swings)
  • Delayed development of speech and language skills
  • Persistent challenges with gross motor skills (like running or jumping)
  • Poor posture or muscle tone issues
  • Persistent bedwetting or toileting issues
  • Difficulty with spatial awareness and depth perception
  • Problems with reading, writing, or math (academic challenges)
  • Sensitivity to certain textures of food or clothing
  • Tendency to fidget or squirm excessively
  • Issues with self-esteem or confidence
  • Persistent anxiety or stress reactions
  • Difficulty adapting to changes in routine

As chiropractors, we assess retained primitive reflexes through various methods aimed at observing a baby's movements and responses:
  1. Observation: We carefully observe spontaneous movements and reflex responses during consultations to detect any signs of persistent primitive reflexes, which should normally integrate by around 12 months of age.
  2. Specific Tests: We perform specific tests designed to provoke primitive reflexes. For instance, we may test the Moro reflex by gently lowering the baby's head backwards while supporting them under the shoulders, or the palmar reflex by applying gentle pressure to the palms of their hands.
  3. Clinical Experience: Drawing on our experience in pediatric care, we look for subtle patterns in a baby's movements that may indicate retained primitive reflexes.
  4. Parental Input: We value input from parents regarding their observations of their baby's movements and any concerns they may have about developmental milestones.
  5. Developmental Assessment: We conduct a comprehensive assessment to evaluate motor skills, coordination, and overall development, which can be influenced by retained primitive reflexes.
  6. Referral for Further Evaluation: If needed, we may refer the baby to a pediatrician, neurologist, or other specialists for additional evaluation to confirm findings or explore underlying issues.

​Our goal in assessing retained primitive reflexes is to identify potential developmental issues early and develop a tailored treatment plan. This plan may include chiropractic adjustments and exercises to support the integration of these reflexes and promote optimal development.