Primitive Reflex Integration therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and integrating retained primitive reflexes in children and adults. Primitive reflexes are automatic, involuntary movements that arise during infancy and are essential for early motor, cognitive, and sensory development. Generally, these reflexes become integrated or inhibited as the child's nervous system matures. However, in some instances, the reflexes may persist, potentially leading to developmental, learning, or behavioral challenges.

The objective of Primitive Reflex Integration therapy is to address and integrate the retained primitive reflexes to support proper development and functioning. The therapy involves specific exercises and activities designed to stimulate the nervous system, encourage neural connections, and help integrate the reflexes.

Some of the common primitive reflexes that may be targeted in this therapy include:

  • Moro reflex: An involuntary response to sudden environmental changes, such as loud noises or abrupt movements, which can cause infants to startle and extend their arms.
  • Palmar grasp reflex: A reflex that prompts an infant's hand to close around an object, like a finger, when it touches their palm.
  • Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR): A reflex that affects an infant's posture and muscle tone, influencing their ability to crawl, walk, and maintain balance.
  • Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR): A reflex that causes an infant to turn their head to one side, extending the arm and leg on that side while flexing the opposite arm and leg.
  • Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR): A reflex that influences an infant's posture by causing their arms to bend and legs to extend when the head is tilted forward, and vice versa when the head is tilted backward.

Primitive Reflex Integration therapy can be beneficial for individuals experiencing developmental delays, learning difficulties, attention disorders, sensory processing issues, or coordination and motor skill challenges. By integrating retained primitive reflexes, the therapy aims to improve overall functioning, enhance motor and cognitive skills, and promote more efficient learning and behavior.

It is essential to consult a trained professional, such as an occupational therapist, physical therapist, or developmental specialist, who can assess the presence of retained primitive reflexes and guide the individual through an appropriate intervention program.

Dr.  Kokeb Girma McDonald: Integrating Primitive Reflexes Through Play and Exercise

Dr.  Kokeb Girma McDonald published 3 books available on Amazon in regard to this topic. She also offers counseling. These books describe a set of exercises you should do with your kid on regular basis. 

Integrating Primitive Reflexes Through Play and Exercise: An Interactive Guide to the Moro Reflex for Parents, Teachers, and Service Provider

Integrating Primitive Reflexes Through Play and Exercise: An Interactive Guide to the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)

Integrating Primitive Reflexes Through Play and Exercise: An Interactive Guide to the Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)

Lookout: 7 Signs That Your Child May Have Retained Reflexes

Lookout: 7 Signs That Your Child May Have Retained Reflexes

  1. They overreact to loud noises or sudden changes.
  2. They sit with their legs in the W position.
  3. They are easily distracted.
  4. They rest their head on their desk during school
  5. They have trouble sitting still.
  6. They are hyperactive.
  7. They toe walk.

Persistent primary reflexes affect motor acts: Potential implications for autism spectrum disorder

Persistent primary reflexes affect motor acts: Potential implications for autism spectrum disorder

Highlights
• In typical development progress in motor and gesture repertoire rely on the inhibition of primitive reflexes, particularly those involving the hand or mouth.

• Children with autism have often difficulty in performing skilled movements and show poor gesture repertoire.

• In 12- to 17-month-old infants we evaluated the relationships between persistence of three primitive reflexes, motor repertoire, and parental autistic-like traits.

• Irrespective of age persistence of primary reflexes influenced infants motor repertoire and correlated with parental autistic-like traits.