Primitive Reflexes: Their Association with Children's Sensory Problems and Hyperactivity
Primitive Reflexes: Their Association with Children's Sensory Problems and Hyperactivity As parents and educators, we constantly seek to understand the underlying causes of children's behavioral challenges. When a child struggles to focus, can't sit still, or becomes overwhelmed by sensory stimuli, primitive reflexes may offer important insights that are often overlooked. What Are Primitive Reflexes? Primitive reflexes are automatic movements originating in the brainstem that should be present at birth. While essential for a newborn's survival and development, these reflexes should naturally integrate (or disappear) as higher brain centers develop during the first year of life. When these reflexes persist longer than expected, they can significantly impact a child's behavior, attention, and sensory processing. These reflexes begin forming as early as five to seven weeks after conception. They help the baby move through the birth canal, develop sensory systems, pro...