What are Primitive Reflexes?
What are Primitive Reflexes? How can they affect my child? Each child is born with a set of critical reflexes that are integral to survival. Primitive reflexes are an action that is performed as a response to a stimulus without conscious thought. For example: when you brush the side of your newborn's cheek the baby will turn his head to root for food. This is the rooting reflex. Typically the reflex integrates or fades away as the neurological system matures. When a reflex does not integrate the child may demonstrate behavior and personality traits that correlate with that reflex. Through specific exercises the child gains more control of their body and no longer relies on primitive movement patterns. This ultimately improves the child’s physical and emotional control.
