Understanding Retained Primitive Reflexes
As parents and caregivers, we’re often introduced to the concept of developmental milestones—those key markers that guide us in understanding how our children are growing and progressing. From their first smile to taking those first steps, watching a child develop is an incredible journey. But did you know that retained primitive reflexes can impact this development in ways we might not expect?
What Are Primitive Reflexes?
Primitive reflexes are automatic movements that are present at birth and play a crucial role in helping babies survive and develop during the early months of life. These reflexes are hardwired in the brain and are meant to help babies respond to their environment in basic ways—like turning their head to breathe when they’re born or grasping an object that touches their hand.
As the baby’s brain and nervous system mature, these reflexes should naturally integrate and fade. However, in some cases, the reflexes don't fully integrate, which can lead to difficulties later in childhood.
What Happens When Primitive Reflexes Are Retained?
When primitive reflexes don't integrate, they can interfere with the child’s ability to perform more complex movements and tasks. These retained reflexes can create a variety of challenges in a child’s development, such as:
- Attention and Focus Issues: Retained reflexes, like the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR), can make it difficult for a child to focus, sit still, or even use both hands together in tasks like writing or drawing.
- Coordination and Motor Skills: Reflexes like the Moro reflex (startle reflex) and Spinal Galant reflex can contribute to poor balance, motor coordination, and issues with fine and gross motor skills.
- Learning Challenges: Retained reflexes can disrupt the ability to read, write, and process information, making academic performance more challenging.
- Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties: Children with retained reflexes may struggle with emotional regulation and anxiety, as their nervous system isn’t fully able to "settle" and integrate experiences.
Therapy for Retained Primitive Reflexes
Conventional therapy offers evidence-based approaches to addressing retained primitive reflexes, focusing on targeted exercises and interventions to help integrate these reflexes into the nervous system. Occupational therapists (OTs) often use activities that mimic early developmental movements, such as crawling, stretching, or hand-eye coordination exercises, to help children improve motor skills and self-regulation. Physical therapists (PTs) may focus on strengthening core muscles, balance training, and improving body awareness to reduce the impact of retained reflexes on posture and movement. Additionally, vision therapy can support children whose reflexes interfere with visual tracking, focus, and reading fluency. These therapies work in synergy to address the specific challenges caused by retained reflexes and provide children with the tools they need to thrive.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help?
Chiropractic care, specifically pediatric chiropractic, focuses on the nervous system’s ability to communicate with the rest of the body. Chiropractors use gentle adjustments to realign the spine, which can help to improve nervous system function and promote overall health and development.
For children with retained primitive reflexes, chiropractic care can offer significant benefits:
- Supporting Nervous System Function: Misalignments in the spine (also called subluxations) can disrupt the nervous system’s ability to function properly. By gently adjusting the spine, chiropractic care can help support the nervous system, allowing it to integrate reflexes more effectively.
- Improved Coordination and Balance: Chiropractic care can enhance coordination and motor skills by helping the body’s systems work together more efficiently.
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: By promoting better nervous system regulation, chiropractic adjustments can help reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation, which are common in children with retained reflexes.
The Role of Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that focuses on the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid and the alignment of the bones in the skull, spine, and pelvis. CST helps release tension and restrictions in the nervous system, supporting its natural healing abilities.
For children with retained primitive reflexes, craniosacral therapy can:
- Support Reflex Integration: CST can help reduce the tension in the nervous system that may be preventing the proper integration of reflexes.
- Improve Emotional Regulation: Because CST works directly with the nervous system, it can help children feel more grounded and calm, supporting emotional and behavioral regulation.
- Enhance Nervous System Communication: CST can improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which nourishes the brain and spine, enhancing the overall function of the nervous system.
A Holistic Approach to Supporting Development
While chiropractic care and craniosacral therapy offer wonderful benefits, they are most effective when combined with a holistic approach to a child’s health and development. That means addressing factors like diet, sleep, and stress management alongside therapies. Supporting your child’s body through good nutrition, adequate rest, and regular movement can create a foundation for better development.
Conclusion
Retained primitive reflexes can have a significant impact on a child’s development, affecting everything from motor skills to emotional regulation. By integrating chiropractic care and craniosacral therapy into a child’s wellness routine, parents can provide support for their child’s nervous system, helping them overcome these challenges.
If you’ve noticed that your child is struggling with attention, coordination, or emotional regulation, it might be worth exploring these therapies as part of a holistic approach to supporting their development.
With the right care, every child can have the opportunity to thrive!