PRIMITIVE REFLEXES
Babies' Involuntary "Superpowers"! What Are Primitive Reflexes?
Did you know that when babies are born, they come with a series of automatic movements, which they do without thinking? They're like innate "superpowers" that help them survive and develop properly! We call these movements primitive reflexes . They're involuntary movements that come naturally, and they're incredibly important for their brains to develop properly from the start!
Imagine gently touching a newborn's cheek; they automatically turn their head toward that side, seeking the breast. That's a primitive reflex. Or when you place a finger in the palm of their hand, they close it tightly—another primitive reflex in action.
But these reflexes aren't meant to last a lifetime. As the baby grows and their brain matures, these primitive reflexes should gradually disappear—integrate!—to make way for other, more controlled movements that come from more "adult" parts of the brain. We call these new movements postural reflexes , which allow us to stand, sit properly, and move voluntarily.
Warning! What happens if these "superpowers" don't go away in time?
If primitive reflexes remain active longer than they should, it may be a sign that the brain hasn't fully matured. This can have consequences; it can affect motor skills, both gross (like crawling or running) and fine (like drawing or writing), but also how they perceive the world through their senses, how they think and learn. Imagine if your "autopilot" keeps working when you should already be driving.
What problems can active primitive reflexes cause?
If these primitive reflexes remain active when they should no longer be, they can cause several minor problems:
• Movement disorders! Moving in an awkward or uncoordinated manner!
• Inability to maintain a comfortable posture for long periods of time! Constantly moving or looking for a different position!
• Constant movement! Children who can't seem to stay still!
• Motor clumsiness! Bumping into things, falling easily!
• Exaggerated responses to environmental stimuli! Startling or reacting disproportionately to noises, lights, or textures!
• Behavioral problems stemming from his motor restlessness! Frustration and irritability from not being able to control his body!
• Attention deficit disorder! Difficulty controlling your body also affects your ability to concentrate!
• Poor visual-motor integration! Problems coordinating what they see with hand movements, for example, when writing or catching a ball!
An extra effort for what should be automatic!
When a primitive reflex fails to integrate, it means that certain actions that should be automatic, such as maintaining balance while sitting or coordinating movements while writing, are performed with continuous, conscious effort. This is exhausting! It's as if you have to think about every step you take when walking instead of just taking it unconsciously.
The good news! We can help integrate those "rebellious" reflexes!
Primitive reflexes that are still active can be integrated thanks to Rhythmic Movement Therapy (RMT). This therapy uses gentle, repetitive movements that mimic the movements babies made when primitive reflexes were active. It's like giving the brain a second chance to complete the integration process that wasn't properly completed at the time.
An important note about eye coordination: strabismus!
Remember when we talked about strabismus? It occurs when the eyes don't look in the same place. Imagine one eye looking out the window while the other is focused on your book. This may be related to the persistence of certain primitive reflexes that affect eye muscle control. If these reflexes aren't properly integrated, it can lead to a lack of coordination between the eyes, strabismus, and, in turn, affect the development of binocular vision and spatial perception. This is why therapy to integrate primitive reflexes can sometimes also help in cases of strabismus!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Primitive Reflexes
1. What exactly are primitive reflexes in babies?
They are involuntary and automatic movements that babies have at birth and that are essential for their survival and early neurological development.
2. Why is it important for these reflections to disappear or "integrate"?
Integrating primitive reflexes is crucial for the brain to mature and develop voluntary and controlled movements (postural reflexes). If they persist, they can interfere with motor, sensory, and cognitive development.
3. What happens if primitive reflexes are not integrated correctly?
Lack of integration can cause movement problems, difficulty maintaining posture, motor restlessness, clumsiness, exaggerated responses to stimuli, fatigue, behavioral problems, attention deficit, and poor hand-eye coordination.
4. How can you tell if a child has active primitive reflexes?
A qualified professional can assess the presence and level of integration of primitive reflexes through a series of tests and observations of the child's movements.
5. What is Rhythmic Movement Therapy (RMT)?
It is a therapy that uses gentle, repetitive movements that resemble the movements of infants. These movements help stimulate the brain to complete the integration of primitive reflexes that were not integrated naturally.
6. At what age should primitive reflexes normally disappear?
Most primitive reflexes should be integrated during the first year of life, although some may persist a little longer. Persistence beyond this period may indicate neurological immaturity.
7. Can active primitive reflexes affect learning and behavior in school?
Yes! Difficulty controlling the body, restlessness, and attention problems associated with active primitive reflexes can make it difficult to concentrate, learn, and behave appropriately in the school environment.
8. Can strabismus (crossed eyes) be related to unintegrated primitive reflexes?
Yes, in some cases, the persistence of certain primitive reflexes that influence eye muscle control can contribute to eye coordination problems such as strabismus.
9. Can primitive reflexes be integrated in older children and even adults?
Although integration is easier and faster in the early years of life, TMR can be effective in helping to integrate active primitive reflexes in older children and even adults, although the process may take longer.
10. What professionals can help assess and integrate primitive reflexes? Occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other professionals specializing in child development and primitive reflex integration are qualified to assess and implement Rhythmic Movement Therapy and other integration techniques.