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Retained Neonatal Reflexes Learning difficulties, behavioural problems, poor coordination and developmental delay may be the result of retained neonatal reflexes (also known as primitive reflexes). What are Neonatal Reflexes?  In the womb and in the early months of life the higher centres of our central nervous system are not fully developed. During this time we are protected and assisted by involuntary (neonatal) reflexes, controlled by the lower centres of our brain. At birth, a baby has minimal control over voluntary movement. Reflexes provide stereotyped, predictable reactions to certain stimuli in the early weeks but are soon transformed into more advanced motor skills. Early reflexes also provide training for many aspects of later functioning. There are reflexes for the development of muscle tone, the avoidance of noxious stimuli, postural disturbances, as well as reflexes that aid in the birthing process. They are designed to help us survive in the early stages of life, and they serve as platforms from which to develop smooth, controlled, voluntary movement. As higher centres begin to mature enough for conscious control of activity, the involuntary, uncontrollable reflexes are integrated into higher centre control. Examples of Neonatal Reflexes: There are in excess of 27 known primitive reflexes. The following reflexes are a selection of those more commonly associated with learning, coordination and balance problems when they are not properly controlled by the central nervous system. For more information on each reflex, click on the associated link. Neonatal Reflexes include: What Happens when Neonatal Reflexes are Retained?  The neonatal or primitive reflexes should be fully present at birth, as they guide early development, and are gradually integrated during the first 6 to 12 months of life. Primitive reflexes ideally begin to function in a particular order and are integrated in a specific sequence. If they are retained out of sequence, they disturb the development and integration of subsequent reflexes. If they are retained beyond their normal age of integration they can disturb some or all of the functions of higher centres, which includes behaviour, learning, integration of gross or fine movements, sensory perception, hand-eye coordination, structural problems and more. These learning difficulties and behavioural dysfunctions may persist to adulthood. Current research suggests that trauma of some kind, anywhere between conception and the early months of life, may be the cause of retained primitive reflexes. There may also be familial or hereditary factors. Trauma may be physical, chemical, emotional or hormonal; although the main trauma appears to be that experienced during birth, including caesarean section and any form of induced delivery. It is also possible for reflexes that were integrated appropriately during early life, to be regained later due to trauma. Signs & Symptoms of Retained Neonatal Reflexes: Below is a list of the more common signs and symptoms of retained neonatal reflexes. Not all of these will be present in every case, as each primitive reflex has associated signs and symptoms. For more information about the specific effects of particular reflexes, see the links above, under “Examples of Neonatal Reflexes” General signs and symptoms: -
Dyslexia or learning difficulties -
Reversals of letters/numbers and midline problems -
Poor written expression & handwriting -
Poor posture and/or awkward gait -
Poor spatial awareness -
Poor hand-eye co-ordination, poor visual function/processing skills -
Difficulty learning how to swim/ride a bike -
Poor gross and fine motor skills, balance problems, poor sequencing skills -
Clumsiness/accident prone -
Slow at copying tasks & processing information -
Dyspraxia/Speech problems and language delays -
Motion sickness -
Bedwetting past 5 years of age -
Depression, anxiety or stress -
Behavioural, self-esteem and motivational problems -
Quick temper/easily frustrated/short fuse -
Attention and concentration problems, hyperactivity, fidgeting -
Easily distracted and/or impulsive -
Confusion between right and left -
Hypersensitivity to sound, light, or touch -
Poor sense of time, poor organizational skills What can be done to integrate Retained Neonatal Reflexes? The good news for children or adults who have learning difficulties or behavioural issues is that retained neonatal reflexes can be integrated. This means that the higher brain centres can be prompted to bring the neonatal reflexes under cortical control, allowing complex skills, movements and behaviours to develop properly. Gentle alterations to the function and movement of the spine, skull, and peripheral skeleton encourage the body to integrate the reflexes that have been inappropriately retained. In some cases all of the primitive reflexes will have been retained, while in other cases there may be only one, or some present. The corrections assist people of all ages, from babies and children, to adults. As these physical blocks to development are removed, patients may notice improvements in learning, behaviour, coordination, mood and anxiety levels, hormonal imbalance, chronic structural conditions, and more. Active Health Centre practitioners work together with other members of the Health profession to ensure you and your children are getting the best and most appropriate care with regard to learning and developmental delay. Reference: KEEN, Keith: Retained Primitive Reflexes, Sydney Australia 1997 This information sheet is an attempt by the author to present some symptoms of retained neonatal reflexes. Although resourced from literature, personal communication with colleagues and clinical experience, the paper remains the opinion of the author at time of writing.
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