Primitive Reflexes

Primitive reflexes are automatic, instinctual movements that are designed to ensure our survival in the first year of life. They begin to emerge in utero and help guide the fetus into position for a natural delivery, as well as help the baby survive in the first year of life before they have access to the cortex (where we have logic and higher thinking). They also work as a team and most of them have a specific pattern for integrating/ turning "off" when the brain is ready to operate from the cortex. If this movement pattern gets interrupted, the reflexes cannot become integrated therefore leaving them "on"/ unintegrated. When primitive reflexes are left unintegrated, they disrupt daily life and put the brain in survival mode. That means that, instead of responding, many are left reacting to the world around them.

In this course, you will learn how to assess whether the following primitive reflexes are retained:

Fear Paralysis Reflex
Moro Reflex
Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex
Spinal Galant Reflex
Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex
Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex
Babinski Reflex
Amphibian Reflex
Labyrinthine Head Righting Reflex
Landau Reflex

Make sure to have at least two people present so one can do the assessment on the other!

We also have a blog post about retained Primitive Reflexes:)

The information in this course is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child’s condition.

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