Primitive Reflexes

what is the integration timeline for when all primitive reflexes should be present?

approximately 0-4 months

when is the integration timeline for when all feeding reflexes should integrate?

approximately 4-6 months

when is the integration timeline for when all postural reflexes integrate?

approximately 6-12 months

when do protective reactions emerge?

approximately 6-12 months

what is the rooting reflex?

- age: birth to 4 months

- position: supine

- normal response: head turns toward stimulus, mouth opens

what are the clinical implications if there is an abnormal response (retained past 6 months) to the rooting reflex?

- difficulty transitioning to spoon feeding

- problems with solid food textures

- persistent drooling

- oral defensiveness

what is the palmar grasp reflex?

- age: birth to 4-6 months

- position: supine

- normal response: all 4 fingers flex around object, strong grasp

what are the clinical implications if there is an abnormal response (retained past 6 months) to the palmar reflex?

- cannot voluntarily release objects

- difficulty with tool use and writing

- problems with fine motor skills

- impacts play and self-care

what is the moro (startle) reflex?

- age: 0-6 months

- position: supine, head slightly elevated

- normal response: arms abduct and extend (fingers spread) and arms return to midline (hands close to fists)

what are the clinical implications if there is an abnormal response (retained past 6 months) to the moro (startle) reflex?

- hypersensitivity to movement

- difficulty with attention and focus

- sleep disturbances

- anxiety with position changes

what is the parachute reflex?

- age: 6-9 months emergence + lifetime

- position: sitting

- normal response: both arms extend forward to protect against fall

what are the clinical implications if there is an abnormal response (persists past 9 months) to the parachute reflex?

- increased fall risk

- poor protective reactions

- delayed gross motor skills

- safety concerns during play

what is the plantar grasp reflex?

- age: birth to 9-12 months

- position: supine/sitting

- normal response: all toes flex/curl downward

what are the clinical implications if there is an abnormal response (retained past 12 months) to the plantar grasp reflex?

- affects walking pattern

- difficulty with shoe fit

- problems with balance

- may indicate neurological concerns

what is the ATNR (asymmetrical tonic neck reflex) reflex?

- age: birth to 6 months

- position: supine, head midline

- normal response: face side extends, skull side flexes ("fencing")

what are the clinical implications if there is an abnormal response (retained past 6 months) to the ATNR reflex?

- blocks midline crossing activities

- interferes with bilateral coordination

- affects reading and writing (eyes can't cross midline smoothly)

- impacts ball skills and playground activities

what is the STNR (symmetrical tonic neck reflex) reflex?

- age: 4 to 12 months

- position: quadruped

- normal response: arms and legs do opposite (top and bottom opposite)

what are the clinical implications if there is an abnormal response (retained past 12 months) to the STNR reflex?

- poor sitting posture and balance

- difficulty with crawling patterns

- problems transitioning between positions

- affects desk work and floor play

what is the equilibrium reaction (sitting) reflex?

- age: 7-8 months emergence + lifetime

- position: sitting on tilt board

- normal response: head rights, trunk curves, arm extends, trunk elongates, stabilizes

what are the clinical implications if there is an abnormal response (if absent after 8-9 months) to the equilibrium reaction reflex?

- developmental delays in motor skills

- poor head and trunk control

- poor coordination and balance

- risk of injury from falls