1. SPECIFIC TECHNIQUES
&TIPS TO INTEGRATE
PRIMITIVE REFLEXES
Carolyn Blok, OTS

2. The Background: Why does
this matter to my child?
 Primitive reflexes develop during gestation and
infancy and usually become integrated by the
central nervous system during the first few months
of life. (Integrated means they no longer occur
involuntarily.)
 Incomplete integration of primitive reflexes may be
a contributing cause of ADD/ADHD, autism,
learning challenges, developmental delay,
sensory integration disorders, vision and hearing
challenges, behavior challenges, extreme
shyness, lack of confidence, addiction, and
constant feelings of overwhelm.

3. The Theory Behind Integration
 As the central nervous system develops, reflexes are either
integrated or transformed. If this does not occur, these reflexes will
interfere with subsequent development and may be an indication of
neurological damage.
 Integrating or transforming these reflexes allows for the child to
ascend the “hierarchy” of neurological development relatively
undisturbed.
 About 70 primitive reflexes have been discovered, but I have only
included 5 important ones. The reader should be aware, however,
that there are many different reflexes that can be integrated, and the
reflexes that need to be integrated will be dependent on the
individual child. Also, the reader should be aware that the exercises
that are included are not necessarily the „exclusive‟ exercises for
integration of these reflexes, but there are many variations and
different exercises that may be effective at integrating these
reflexes.

4. The Moro Reflex
 What it is?
The Moro reflex is a normal reflex for an infant when he or she is
startled or feels like they are falling. The infant will have a "startled"
look and the arms will fling out sideways with the palms up and the
thumbs flexed.
 How does this interfere with normal function if not integrated?
Since the Moro Reflex is an alarm reflex of sorts if it is not
integrated, it will become an uncontrollable overreaction over-riding
developed higher brain function as well as conscious thoughts and
decisions. It also over stimulates the „fight or flight‟ response leading
to hypersensitivity to sensory stimulus.
Exercises to Integrate the Moro Reflex
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh9I1thxmdw
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5OxpfFL_CI

5. The ATNR (Asymmetrical Tonic
Neck Reflex)
 What is it?
The ATNR is elicited by a sideways turning of the head. The turning
of the head will cause the arm and leg on the side that the head is
turned to extend, while the limbs on the opposite side of the body
will flex.
 How does this interfere with normal function if not integrated?
If this persists, it will interfere with development of fine and gross
motor skills especially those that are symmetrical and cross the
midline.
 Exercises to Integrate ATNR
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qm9NfP4cx0M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70viOJZti1s

6. The Symmetrical Tonic Neck
Reflex (STNR)
 What is it?
When the head flexes, the arms flex and the legs extend.
Conversely, when the head extends, the arms extend and the
legs flex.
 How does this interfere with normal function if not integrated?
Poor eye/hand coordination, difficulty with copying tasks, and
poor balance.
 Exercises to Integrate STNR
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDfWFiEb8ik
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ktfq8ySodYg

7. The Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex
 What is it?
Tilting the head back while lying on the back causes the back
to stiffen and even arch backwards, the legs to straighten,
stiffen, and push together, the toes to point, the arms to bend
at the elbows and wrists, and the hands to become fisted or
the fingers to curl.
 How does this interfere with normal function if not integrated?
Slouched posture, low muscle tone, balance problems,
dislike/avoidance of physical activity, and visual/perceptual
difficulties
 Exercises to Integrate TLR
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xLGf-ijmMg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krNwDklS_Ro

8. The Galant Reflex
 What is it?
This reflex is elicited by touching the sides of the child‟s
spine. Touching the side of the child‟s spine will cause the
child to rotate their hip to the side that has been touched.
 How does this interfere with normal function if not integrated?
If this reflex persists, it may cause bedwetting, fatigue,
attention difficulties, difficulties with concentration, posture,
coordination, short-term memory, as well as hyperactivity and
difficulty sitting still.
 Exercises to Integrate the Galant reflex
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWB63IRddzQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCW4tKcmdxE

9. Sources
•http://www.rhythmicmovement.com/index.php?option=co
m_content&view=article&id=12&Itemid=33&lang=en
•http://moveplaythrive.com/images/pdf/ResearchonReflexe
s.pdf
•https://sites.google.com/site/guilderlandptdepartment/wha
t-are-the-primitive-reflexes

10. Further Reading to Learn More
about the Primitive Reflexes and
Integration
 Prevalence of Persistent Primary Reflexes and
Motor Problems in Children with Learning
Difficulties by M. McPhillips and N. Sheehy
 Stopping ADHD by Nancy O‟Dell and Patricia
Cook

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