How to check your kids primitive reflexes at home
A primitive reflex is a movement directed from the brainstem. These reflexes help us grow properly and safely and help us with the birthing process, when breast feeding and when things get a little more sophisticated and we begin to grip things. As we grow and mature, these reflexes are no longer needed. A different part of our brain takes over as it develops and becomes more complex. This is a totally normal (and essential) part of development. Primitive reflexes should integrate (go away) typically around 12 months of age, some may be closer to two or three years old. Although they don’t always, so here we have some ways you can check your childs reflexes at home.
If your child is showing symptoms such as messy hand writing, poor posture, distracted, toe walking, low tone, disliking change, difficulty catching a ball and/or ants in pants - this may be likely to indicate a retained primitive reflex.
Chiropractic care focuses on gentle releases of the structure that governs the function that may improve the underlying problem and may be likely to reduce it recurring. There are specific home exercises that can help to integrate these reflexes and calm the nervous system.
Here are some tests for you to do at home with your children. They are designed to indicate the likelihood of retained primitive reflexes.
Rooting and Juvenile Suck Reflexes:
Lightly stroke (with a brush of finger tip) from the outer corner of the nose downwards beyond the corner of the mouth.
A retained rooting reflex will be if your child either turns their head or there is movement of the mouth.
A retained juvenile suck reflex includes pursing the lips.
2. Palmar Reflex:
Standing with the feet together, elbows bent and away from the body with palms facing upwards. Gentle stroke along the creases of the palm from between the thumb and index finger towards the heel of the hand. Repeat 2-3 times.
A retained palmar reflex is seen when the thumb/fingers or elbow moves inward
3. Galant Reflex:
Have your child on all 4’s, lightly stroke down one side of the lower back towards the underwear line
A retained galant reflex is present if they move their back ~ arching or leaning away from the stroking.
4. ATNR Reflex:
Have your child on all 4’s, get them to have their weight over their hands and then parents to turn their head left and then right
A retained ATNR reflex is seen if their elbows bend on the opposite side of the head turning. Can also be retained if the weight shifts backwards (off their hands).
5. STNR Reflex:
Have your child on all 4’s, get them to have their weight over their hands and then parents flex the neck fully (so they are looking down) and hold for 5 seconds, then slowly extend the neck (looking up) and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat this 3 times.
A retained STNR is present if your child alters their body position (ie: shifting of weight backwards, arching back, bending arms)
6. STLR Reflex:
Laying face down on the ground with palms facing down and arms reaching forwards, ask your child to hold their head off the ground and bring both legs up straight (aka superman)
A retained STLR is present if they are unable to keep their legs straight.
For any enquiries please ask your health professional or call / email the Form Chiropractic team for more information.
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