{"id":38,"date":"2022-02-05T01:12:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-05T01:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/what-are-primitive-reflexes\/"},"modified":"2023-02-25T10:32:52","modified_gmt":"2023-02-25T02:32:52","slug":"what-are-primitive-reflexes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/what-are-primitive-reflexes\/","title":{"rendered":"What are Primitive Reflexes?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"sqsrte-large\" style=\"text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;\">By <a href=\"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/about\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Desiree Kaur<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"sqs-image-min-height\" style=\"font-size: revert; background-color: transparent; color: var(--color); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\" src=\"https:\/\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\/content\/v1\/60f8120a6908143274ff04a7\/b299bdf7-abb3-4bd0-ba35-e75b7731d5ac\/What-are-primitive-reflexes.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-image=\"https:\/\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\/content\/v1\/60f8120a6908143274ff04a7\/b299bdf7-abb3-4bd0-ba35-e75b7731d5ac\/What-are-primitive-reflexes.jpeg\" data-image-dimensions=\"1880x1250\" data-image-focal-point=\"0.5,0.5\" \/><\/p>\n<figure class=\"sqs-block-image-figure            image-block-outer-wrapper            image-block-v2            design-layout-poster            combination-animation-focus-in            individual-animation-site-default            individual-text-animation-site-default            image-position-right\" data-scrolled=\"\" data-test=\"image-block-v2-outer-wrapper\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"intrinsic\">\n<div class=\"image-inset\" data-animation-role=\"image\" data-description=\"\" data-animation-override=\"\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sqs-image-shape-container-element                content-fill has-aspect-ratio\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; clip-path: url('#8ac8b662c6694ca4fba4'); -webkit-clip-path: url('#8ac8b662c6694ca4fba4'); padding-bottom: 66.48936462402344%;\"><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: var(--heading-color, var(--heading-3-color, var(--headings-color))); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-size: var(--fontSize); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform); white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent;\">What is it?<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; color: var(--color); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\">Primitive reflexes also known as newborn reflexes, are involuntary motor responses originating in the brainstem. It is present after birth in early child development. A common example of primitive reflexes is when a baby squeezes your finger. This is an involuntary movement of muscles which stem from the brains response. Over time, as the brain matures, and the central nervous system replaces the involuntary movements to voluntary responses. There are several types of primitive reflexes, namely:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; color: var(--color); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\">Palmar grasp<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; color: var(--color); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\">Plantar reflex<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; color: var(--color); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\">Sucking<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; color: var(--color); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\">Rooting<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; color: var(--color); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\">Galant<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; color: var(--color); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\">Moro (startle)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; color: var(--color); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\">Stepping<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; color: var(--color); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\">Asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; color: var(--color); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\">Symmetric tonic neck reflex (STNR)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; color: var(--color); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\">To learn more about each of the primitive reflexes, click<\/span><a style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/baby\/primitive-reflexes#sucking\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> here<\/a><span style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; color: var(--color); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: var(--heading-color, var(--heading-3-color, var(--headings-color))); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-size: var(--fontSize); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform); white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent;\">Primitive Reflexes and Neurodiversity\u2026<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; color: var(--color); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\">Since the 1960s, studies have been ongoing on this topic. In 1998, Dr. Phillip Teitelbaum noted that a number of infants who crawled, walked,\u00a0 and rolled over, differently as infants; were later diagnosed with autism. There were 17 participants in this study. Although the number was not significant, neurodivergent adults find certain primitive reflexes challenging;\u00a0 such as telling left from right, impulse control or have<\/span><a style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/vestibular-balance-disorder\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span>vestibular challenges<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; color: var(--color); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\">. All these are controlled by the central nervous system.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; color: var(--color); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\">We had the opportunity to speak to a Neuroscience Physician to answer some questions on Primitive Reflexes and neurodiversity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"thumb-image\" style=\"font-size: revert; background-color: transparent; color: var(--color); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\" src=\"https:\/\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\/content\/v1\/60f8120a6908143274ff04a7\/a6678b60-99e1-4d08-bf38-c7cdb2f0f9aa\/Dr+Michael+Bagnell.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-image=\"https:\/\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\/content\/v1\/60f8120a6908143274ff04a7\/a6678b60-99e1-4d08-bf38-c7cdb2f0f9aa\/Dr+Michael+Bagnell.jpg\" data-image-dimensions=\"300x200\" data-image-focal-point=\"0.5,0.5\" data-load=\"false\" data-image-id=\"61f49412584f534f71b8ced3\" data-type=\"image\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; color: var(--color); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\">Dr Michael Bagnell is a Clinical Neuroscience Physician and Fellow of the American Board of Brain Injury Rehabilitation Physician. He is also a researcher, speaker and founder of the Bagnell Brain Center in Florida, USA. Dr Bagnell took the time to answer some of our questions on Primitive Reflexes and Neurodiversity. <\/span><\/p>\n<h4><strong style=\"color: var(--heading-color, var(--heading-4-color, var(--headings-color))); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-size: var(--fontSize); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform); white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent;\">What is the link between primitive reflexes and neurodiversity? <\/strong><\/h4>\n<h4><em style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; color: var(--color); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\">\u201cMany neurodiverse individuals have these reflexes which are not adequately integrated. This may contribute to many neurologic effects which impact the individuals attention, focus, emotions, balance, mood and various other important integrative functions for performance.\u201d<\/em><\/h4>\n<h4><strong style=\"color: var(--heading-color, var(--heading-4-color, var(--headings-color))); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-size: var(--fontSize); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform); white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent;\">What does it mean when someone says, \u201cprimitive reflexes are retained\u201d? <\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><em style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; color: var(--color); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\">\u201cReflexes may be retained when they are present after the neurodevelopmental time that they should have integrated. They may also be referred to as persistent reflexes. They signal the inadequate integration of neural systems necessary for many functions.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<h4><strong style=\"color: var(--heading-color, var(--heading-4-color, var(--headings-color))); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-size: var(--fontSize); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform); white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent;\">Can primitive reflexes be trained in toddlers who are not meeting key milestones?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><em style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; color: var(--color); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\">\u201cYes, they can be trained and integrated in many toddlers. There are video resources available online created by many occupational therapists and functional neurologists. Youtube is a source for video explanations of the exercises.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<h5><strong style=\"color: var(--heading-color, var(--heading-4-color, var(--headings-color))); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-size: var(--fontSize); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform); white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent;\">What about training primitive reflexes in adults?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><em style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; color: var(--color); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\">Adults who are neurodiverse should consider evaluating these reflexes and if present, seek to integrate them for improved neuro-function in many domains of their life. Certain areas may create challenges from persistent primitive reflexes like motion sensitivity, emotional lability, sound and light sensitivities, coordination, and stress adaptation responses.<\/em><\/p>\n<h5><strong style=\"color: var(--heading-color, var(--heading-4-color, var(--headings-color))); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-size: var(--fontSize); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform); white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent;\">What are the benefits of strengthening primitive reflexes for neurodiverse individuals? <\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><em style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; color: var(--color); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\">Improving neuro-integration is vital for numerous cognitive, affective (mood), and sensoriomotor abilities. Our goal in brain optimization is to assist all individuals achieve improved levels of function and resilience and these developmental components of their brain health.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; color: var(--color); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\">For more information on Primitive Reflexes and Dr Bagnell\u2019s area of specialty, visit the Bagnell Brain Center website <\/span><a style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bagnellbrainceter.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a><span style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; color: var(--color); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\"> or follow him on Instagram <\/span><a style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/bagnell_brain_center\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a><span style=\"font-size: revert; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: transparent; color: var(--color); font-family: var(--fontFamily); font-style: var(--fontStyle, inherit); font-weight: var(--fontWeight); letter-spacing: var(--letterSpacing); text-transform: var(--textTransform);\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p class=\"\" style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\">Primitive reflexes also known as newborn reflexes, are involuntary motor responses originating in the brainstem. It is present after birth in early child development. A common example of primitive reflexes is when a baby squeezes your finger. We spoke to a Neurological Physician on Primitive Reflexes and neurodiversity<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":39,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","footnotes":""},"categories":[3,82,5],"tags":[38,37,45,66],"class_list":["post-38","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-education","category-interventions","category-special-needs","tag-neurodiversity","tag-primitive-reflexes","tag-special-needs","tag-tips-by-professionals"],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":5}},"acf":[],"featured_image_urls":{"full":["https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/What-are-primitive-reflexes.jpeg",1880,1250,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/What-are-primitive-reflexes-150x150.jpeg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/What-are-primitive-reflexes-300x199.jpeg",300,199,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/What-are-primitive-reflexes-768x511.jpeg",768,511,true],"large":["https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/What-are-primitive-reflexes-1024x681.jpeg",1024,681,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/What-are-primitive-reflexes-1536x1021.jpeg",1536,1021,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/What-are-primitive-reflexes.jpeg",1880,1250,false],"trp-custom-language-flag":["https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/What-are-primitive-reflexes.jpeg",18,12,false]},"post_excerpt_stackable":"<p class=\"\" style=\"white-space:pre-wrap;\">Primitive reflexes also known as newborn reflexes, are involuntary motor responses originating in the brainstem. It is present after birth in early child development. A common example of primitive reflexes is when a baby squeezes your finger. We spoke to a Neurological Physician on Primitive Reflexes and neurodiversity<\/p>\n","category_list":"<a href=\"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/category\/education\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Education<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/category\/interventions\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Interventions<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/category\/special-needs\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Special Needs<\/a>","author_info":{"name":"Desiree Kaur","url":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/author\/nevyr-haans\/"},"comments_num":"0 comments","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1167,"href":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38\/revisions\/1167"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/39"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/projecthaans.com\/ms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}