Primitive reflexes have been a topic of significant interest among health professionals. Primitive reflexes are building blocks for balance, posture, and overall regulation of arousal and affect. Reflexes are an important part of typical development. They allow us to generate the necessary muscle tone to protect ourselves, to orient to our environment, and to come up against gravity. They are given to us as a preservation of our very selves.
Sometimes the integration of these primitive reflexes gets interrupted and they are then considered retained reflexes. Retention of primitive reflexes can be caused by a variety of factors. The birth process is a key factor in the integration of these reflexes. So in some cases, if there is a traumatic birth or c-section, it may lead to retained reflexes. Some additional causes may be falls, traumas, lack of tummy time, delayed or skipped creeping or crawling, chronic ear infections, or head trauma.
Below is a list of primitive reflexes and what can happen if they are retained.
Sometimes the integration of these primitive reflexes gets interrupted and they are then considered retained reflexes. Retention of primitive reflexes can be caused by a variety of factors. The birth process is a key factor in the integration of these reflexes. So in some cases, if there is a traumatic birth or c-section, it may lead to retained reflexes. Some additional causes may be falls, traumas, lack of tummy time, delayed or skipped creeping or crawling, chronic ear infections, or head trauma.
Below is a list of primitive reflexes and what can happen if they are retained.
If you believe your child is delayed from retained reflexes, talk to an Occupational Therapist who can help.
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