OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY CENTER
WHAT ARE PRIMITIVE REFLEXES?
• Primitive reflexes are survival reflexes which occur sequentially in the first few weeks of foetal development.
• These primitive reflexes are automatic stereotyped movements which are directed by a primitive part of the brain (stem).
• As these primitive reflexes fulfil their function during the first year of life they are inhibited and finally replaced by postural reflexes which are controlled by the cortex.
WHAT IS NEURO DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY?
• Research has shown that primitive reflexes present beyond their time may impede subsequent behaviour, motor control, sensory perception, eye-hand coordination, and cognition.
• Developmental therapists call this phenomenon ‘Neuro Developmental Delay’.
IMPORTANT PRIMITIVE REFLEXES:
MORO’S REFLEX
FEAR PARALYSIS REFLEX
PALMAR REFLEX
PLANTAR REFLEX
ASYMMETRIC TONIC NECK REFLEX
SYMMETRIC TONIC NECK REFLEX
TONIC LABRYNITHINE REFLEX
SPINAL GALANT REFLEX AND
OTHER POSTURAL REFLEXES
The Examples of certain reflexes and their consequences if unintegrated are following:
The Moro Reflex
• Emerges at 9 weeks in utero and is the earliest form of reaction to stress which is fully present at birth.
• Normally inhibited between 2 – 4 months of life.
• If retained, it has an overall impact on the emotional profile of the child.
• Presents as a paradox – the child is acutely sensitive, perceptive & imaginative on the one hand, but immature & over-reactive on the other.
• Can result in the child withdrawing or becoming aggressive.
• Very resistant to change
• Difficulty with social interaction
The Palmar Reflex
• Emerges at 11 weeks in utero and is fully present at birth as the child’s grasp reflex.
• Normally inhibited between 2 – 3 months of life and replaced by the pincer grip at 9 months.
• If retained beyond 4 – 5 months of life, it will impede both manual dexterity and manipulatory activities.
• Is one of a group of reflexes which affect handwriting, speech and articulation.
The Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)
• Emerges at 18 weeks in utero and is fully present at birth.
• Normally inhibited by 6 months of life.
• Facilitates kicking movements, muscle tone and provides vestibular stimulation which stimulates the balance
mechanism and increases neural connections during uterine life.
• Not only assists in the birth process but reinforces it.
• If retained it will impede creeping and cross-pattern crawling which is important for hand/eye coordination and the integration of the vestibular information with other senses.
Also affects balance, integration of the right and left brain functions (crossing the mid line), laterality, visual/ perceptual difficulties, handwriting and written expression.
The integration of these reflexes provide a faster and more effective alternative to existing therapies and could help your child unlock their academic and social potential.
Dr JOLLY has an immense interest in reflex integration therapy and implements various reflex integrating exercises in her protocol along with standard intervention programs based on individual child needs, which uplifts the treatment quality and give a boost to the child development.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY TREATMENT CAN MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE IN YOUR CHILD’S LIFE ALONG WITH SPEECH THERPY AND SPECIAL EDUCATION (if needed)
CONTACT: DR. JOLLY GUPTA JAIN B.O.T.,M.O.T.(NEURO), Certified in “DEMENTIA CARE” by UTAS, WICKING Dementia Research and Education Center @ 8447563723
Available at: NEURO CARE, 005, TOWER 9, PARAS TIEREA, SECTOR 137, NOIDA- 201301
