Primitive Reflexes
Primitive reflexes are automatic, instinctual movements that develop in the womb and help newborns survive and learn motor skills. By around the first year of life, these reflexes typically become “integrated”, allowing for more complex motor and cognitive development. However, if they persist, or remain “retained”, they can interfere with learning and physical coordination as children grow.
Learning and Developmental Issues from Retained Reflexes
When primitive reflexes are retained past infancy, they can cause various learning and behavioral difficulties:
- Focus and Attention Challenges: Reflexes like the Moro and ATNR, if retained, may cause children to be hyper-alert, easily distracted, or overwhelmed, making it difficult to focus on school.
- Coordination and Motor Skills: If motor-related reflexes, like the TNR, persist, children may struggle with balance, handwriting, and coordination, which are critical for tasks like sports and writing.
- Reading and Writing: Retained reflexes can interfere with visual tracking and hand-eye coordination, making reading and copying from the board challenging.
- Emotional and Behavioral Issues: Retained reflexes, particularly the Moro reflex, can cause strong stress responses, leading to anxiety, sensory overload, and emotional outbursts, further disrupting learning.
Role of Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT® Methods) in Managing Retained Reflexes
Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT® Methods) can help integrate retained reflexes by improving alignment, optimizing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow, and enhancing sensory-motor integration.
- Balancing the Nervous System: Misalignments in the spine and cranium can stress the nervous system, preventing the brain from fully integrating reflexes. SOT® Methods adjustments improve alignment, aiding brain-body communication.
- Enhancing CSF Flow: CSF flow, essential for brain nourishment, is optimized through SOT® Methods adjustments, supporting neurological function and reflex integration.
- Sensory-Motor Integration: SOT® Methods help balance cranial and sacral systems, which is crucial for sensory-motor processing. Improved integration can lead to better focus, coordination, and cognitive function.
Supportive Exercises and Rehabilitation for Reflex Integration
Targeted rehabilitation exercises that mimic natural infant movements can help integrate retained reflexes. These movements retrain the brain and nervous system to replace the reflexes with more advanced, intentional movement patterns. Together with SOT® Methods, these exercises lay a foundation for better motor skills, attention, and behavior.
For more information about how SOT® Methods can help with primitive reflexes and learning difficulties, contact our office at (314) 872-9955.