#288 - Primitive Reflexes: The Basics - Our Free Webinar

by Jessica Hill, COTA/L & Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC December 27, 2023

#288 - Primitive Reflexes: The Basics - Our Free Webinar

Listen & Subscribe on Your Platform of Choice:

Primitive Reflexes: The Basics - Our Free Webinar

What are primitive reflexes? Why are they important? What are the signs of retained primitive reflexes? How can you help a child who has retained primitive reflexes

Listen in and get the answers to these questions, and more!

WATCH The Primitive Reflex Webinar and get access to the FREE downloads!

Dive into the FULL digital course, Assessment and Integration of Primitive Reflexes for Improved Independence in Daily Activities

Make sure to check out all of our links below!

We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form -> https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3

Links

All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram

Harkla YouTube Channel

Harkla Website - Shop Sensory Products!

Harkla Instagram

 Primitive Reflex Q&A

Primitive Reflexes: The Basics, Our Free Webinar

Understanding and integrating primitive reflexes is crucial, especially for children with sensitive sensory systems. We want to share a new course covering the developmental importance of reflexes such as the Moro, TLR, and STNR in infants, emphasizing the need for sensory and reflex integration from a young age.

What Are Primitive Reflexes?

Primitive reflexes are automatic movements directed by the brainstem that develop in utero and assist infants in survival and early development. They include reflexes like the Moro reflex (startle reflex), which helps a baby react to sudden stimuli, and the ATNR (asymmetrical tonic neck reflex), which plays a role in the birthing process and early motor development.

Why Are Primitive Reflexes Important?

These reflexes are crucial for a baby's survival and developmental milestones. As the child grows, they should integrate or mature into more advanced motor patterns. 

When primitive reflexes don't integrate properly, they can lead to challenges in coordination, cognitive development, emotional regulation, and daily functioning.

Signs of Retained Primitive Reflexes

Some signs that a child may have retained primitive reflexes include:

  • Moro Reflex: Motion sickness, light and sound sensitivity, anxiety.
  • ATNR (Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex): Poor handwriting, challenges with reading, left-right confusion.
  • TLR (Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex): Poor posture, vision challenges, difficulty with sports.
  • STNR (Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex): Difficulty crawling, poor posture, attention challenges.
  • Spinal Galant: Bedwetting beyond age five, poor focus, tactile sensitivity.

How to Identify Retained Reflexes

To identify retained reflexes, observe your child's movements and behavior. Testing can involve specific activities that reveal whether reflexes are still active. 

Here are some activities to help integrate retained reflexes:

  • Moro Reflex: Supine position on a therapy ball, rolling back and forth.
  • ATNR: Holding a tray steady while turning the head side to side.
  • TLR: Prone extension exercises like the "Superman" pose.
  • STNR: Downward dog to cobra yoga sequence.
  • Spinal Galant: Heel reaches with stickers on feet for tactile stimulation.

Next Steps

If you suspect your child has retained primitive reflexes, consider the following steps:

  • Seek Occupational Therapy: Professional evaluation and intervention can provide a targeted plan for integrating reflexes.
  • Encourage Floor Time: Crawling, climbing, and playing on the floor can naturally help integrate reflexes.
  • Use Functional Activities: Incorporate exercises into daily routines in a fun and engaging way.

Conclusion

Primitive reflexes are foundational for a child's development, and understanding them can significantly impact their growth and daily functioning. To learn more and access resources, consider checking out our detailed course on primitive reflexes, available through Harkla.




 

 

BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS

While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.

Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.


This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.

Jessica Hill, COTA/L & Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC
Jessica Hill, COTA/L & Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC

Rachel Harrington, COTA/l, AC, CPRCS, and Jessica Hill, COTA/L, CPRCS are Harkla's in-house Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA) and Certified Primitive Reflex Clinical Specialists. They have been working with children for over 6 years in outpatient settings. They specialize in creating easy-to-digest, actionable content that families can use to help their child's progress at home. Jessica and Rachel are the in-house experts, content creators, and podcast hosts at Harkla! To learn more about Jessica and Rachel, visit the Harkla About Us Page. Make sure to listen to their weekly podcast, All Things Sensory by Harkla for actionable, fun advice on child development.


Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in All Things Sensory by Harkla

#328 - Listener Q&A: Picky Eating, Success with School Line-up, and Fatigue During Sports
#328 - Listener Q&A: Picky Eating, Success with School Line-up, and Fatigue During Sports

by Jessica Hill, COTA/L & Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC October 02, 2024

Read More
#327 - Sensory Bins Aren't Just for Toddlers! Sharing A Variety of Ways to Use Sensory Bins Therapeutically
#327 - Sensory Bins Aren't Just for Toddlers! Sharing A Variety of Ways to Use Sensory Bins Therapeutically

by Jessica Hill, COTA/L & Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC September 25, 2024

Read More
#326 - Spelling to Communicate with Kinsey Showers
#326 - Spelling to Communicate with Kinsey Showers

by Jessica Hill, COTA/L & Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, AC September 17, 2024

Read More