Primitive Reflexes
What are Primitive Reflexes?
We are all born with primitive reflexes that are meant to 'do their job' then go away (integrate). If this is not the case they can act as a barrier to emotional maturity and emotional regulation, learning at school or in special education, sensory processing, physical development / coordination
We have many Primitive Reflexes
We have many Primitive Reflexes which affect the way we stand and walk, the way we talk, the way we think and learn and the way we manage our emotions and relationships. They are SO VERY important in our emotional regulation but also our ability to learn and affect our daily lives.....for some people more than others
What is the purpose of Primitive Reflexes?
Our Primitive Reflexes generate specific movements as we are developing through our first months of life. The movements generate and then strengthen pathways in the brain so that we can process sensory input. So, if we haven't made enough of these specific movements, then the reflexes remain and the pathways in the brain are not developed sufficiently in order to process sensory input successfully
Does this sound familiar?
Children
Your child cannot concentrate / focus / maintain attention and struggles with learning, managing their emotions with school work often resulting in emotional outbursts?
Extra tuition or support at school is not having the intended result – it may even be making the situation worse? You just want your child to be happy, enjoy school and keep up with peers?
Primitive Reflexes could be playing a part....Primitive Reflex Integration could be the solution.
Adults
You struggle with anxiety, insecurity, shyness, lack of self confidence and you suffer with imposter syndrome?
You constantly talk yourself out of social events, going for a promotion at work and/or you have fits of emotions and then beat yourself up afterwards? You just want to feel on top of life and live your best life and achieve your dreams?
Primitive Reflexes could be playing a part.... Primitive Reflex Integration could be the solution.
Signs of retained Primitive Reflexes
Hands up if these signs sound familiar?
- Low tolerance to stress or constant state of inner stress / shy / withdrawn / insecure / anxious
- Difficulty interacting with peers at school / teachers / boss
- Poor sleep routine
- Difficulties sitting still
- Poor handwriting / spelling / excessive writing pressure
- Difficulties with maths
- Tense muscles especially in the legs: toe walking
- Bed-wetting post age of 5
- Problems learning to hop
- Problems with physical coordination
- Problems learning to do breast stroke / ride a bike
- Difficulties with ball games / poor hand eye coordination
- Difficulty holding head up / tense shoulder muscles
- W sitting
Causes of retained reflexes
Before Birth
Before Birth
Before Birth
The movements baby makes during pregnancy are important for the emotional reflexes to integrate. Mother's nutrition, drug / alcohol use, and emotional stress can impact the movements baby makes during pregnancy - fewer movements can lead to a retained Fear Paralysis and subsequently Moro reflexes which are important for sensory processing and emotional maturity.
During Birth
Before Birth
Before Birth
Our primitive reflexes are involved in our birthing process. Birth interventions are obviously needed in order to keep Mum and baby safe, however interventions such as C Sections and Forceps can lead to retained primitive reflexes because the reflex has not had the opportunity to fulfil it's role in the birthing process and therefore can remain active.
After Birth
Before Birth
After Birth
After birth, the movement of babies is often restricted by equipment used on a day to day basis. These days we often use supportive seats, walkers, jumpers and capsule car seats to contain whilst out in public. The equipment can often be putting baby in a position it is not yet physically ready for but also stopping baby from making the natural movements which integrate the reflexes.