Primitive reflexes are automatic, instinctual movements that are crucial for an infant’s survival and early development. These reflexes serve as the building blocks for brain growth, laying the foundation for more complex neural networks that develop as the child matures. However, when these reflexes are not integrated or retained longer than expected, it can disrupt the natural progression of brain development, leading to various issues later in life.
Dr. Robert Melillo, a leading expert in child neurodevelopment, emphasizes the importance of primitive reflexes being integrated by the end of the first year of life. If these reflexes persist, they can throw off the timing and sequence of brain development, becoming an early sign of challenges like sensory processing issues, learning difficulties, and behavioral disorders. In essence, retained primitive reflexes prevent the brain from advancing to higher levels of function, much like trying to build the top of a pyramid without first laying down the foundational bricks.
To put it simply: brain development follows a logical, step-by-step process. If early stages (primitive reflexes) are not integrated properly, the rest of the brain’s development—particularly the higher cognitive functions responsible for learning, focus, and emotional regulation—will be affected. Retained reflexes act like neurological roadblocks, preventing the brain from forming strong connections between different areas, such as the cortex, cerebellum, and brainstem.
For example, a retained Moro reflex—commonly known as the “startle reflex”—can lead to heightened anxiety, difficulty focusing, and hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli. A child with this reflex still present may struggle to process sensory information properly, leading to sensory processing disorders (SPD). Another example is the ATNR (Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex), which, when retained, can affect hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and even reading ability.
These disruptions also play a role in how the brain comprehends and responds to the environment. Normally, primitive reflexes provide sensory feedback to the brain, which leads to their inhibition and the activation of more complex postural reflexes. This, in turn, enhances sensory feedback, allowing genes related to neuroplasticity and brain coordination to activate. However, when reflexes are retained, the process halts, and the brain cannot fully integrate its sensory-motor pathways, limiting cognitive development.
In chiropractic care, we address this issue by recognizing how retained primitive reflexes can contribute to neurological stress (subluxation). By restoring proper alignment and function in the nervous system, we help children break through these developmental barriers, promoting neuroplasticity and allowing the brain to catch up on its growth.
So, when looking at conditions like SPD or learning disabilities, consider retained reflexes as a key factor. By addressing the root cause through chiropractic care and neurodevelopmental strategies, we can help children unlock their full potential, both physically and cognitively.
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