Relationship between childhood reflexes and learning

We are born with primitive reflexes. Primitive reflexes are physical, involuntary responses but with definite purposes and limited life span. It is important to note that primitive reflexes play a vital role in survival, especially in the early months of life. It is originated and controlled by the brainstem. Primitive reflexes form the foundation of the basic neural pathways upon which later development and learning will be built on.

What happen if Childhood Reflexes not well integrated?

By the age of 2, Childhood reflexes should well integrated so that postural reflexes get to emerge and integrated. Retained childhood reflexes may influence the development of gross and fine motor skills, higher order thinking and communication skills.

Here are some common mentioned childhood reflexes and it effects of learning:

Fear Paralysis Reflex (FPR)– They should correctly emerge, develop and integrate in the first trimester of pregnancy. They form the basis of development for all the primitive reflexes. This reflex is the first developmental step for the system learning to cope and deal with stress in later life. If not integrated, may affect integration level of others primitive reflexes

MORO reflex — This is a sequence of rapid movements made in response to sudden stimuli. This reflex involves all the muscles and systems of the body especially the sensory, motor and vestibular systems.
It facilitates the first breath of life at birth. If strongly retained, the body’s survival mechanism is on alert nearly all the time.

PALMAR reflex — Pressure or a light touch to the palm of the hand will result in closure of the fingers. It is for grasp. This is leading to fine motor control of hand. Retained of palmar reflex will lead to immature of fine motor control and speech articulation.

Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR) — This reflex is triggered by movement of the baby’s head forwards or backwards, above or below the level of the spine. The tonic labyrinthine reflex induces and trains muscular responses to assists the baby to get into the correct position to move into a crawling position on hands and knees. Retained of TLR may lead to poor sense of balance and co-ordination. In some cases, it may lead to delayed speech.

Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) — It is expected to integrate around 6 months after expected date of delivery. The ATNR is especially important because it helps infants into positions from which they can learn various motor skills such as reaching for objects, rolling, crawling and standing. Retained of ATNR may lead to messy eater, problem with eye-hand coordination and poor concentration span.

Reference List

Here is a simplified list of the research articles this information was based on:

• Abdelalak, M. M. I. (2021). The Relationship between Retained Primitive Reflexes and Reading and Writing Skills in Elementary School Students. Arab Journal of Science and Publishing.

  This study looked at how reflexes that stick around can affect a child’s ability to read and write

• Gieysztor, E. Z., et al. (2021). Persistence of primitive reflexes and associated challenges in preschool and school-aged children. Current Developmental Disorders Reports.

  This article explains how common unintegrated reflexes are in young children and the many problems they can cause.

• EBSCO. (Accessed 2023). A study on the link between the Moro reflex and anxiety in children.

  This research found a strong connection between a retained startle reflex and feelings of anxiety in kids.