Does your child seem unusually clumsy or uncoordinated? Do they struggle with things like posture, handwriting, or sitting still? It might not just be a phase or a lack of focus. In some cases, these challenges are linked to your child’s reflexes.
My name is Jennifer Hatch, and I am a pediatric occupational therapist here at Fluens Children’s Therapy. Today, I’m going to talk a little bit about something that I’m truly passionate about and that’s really fascinating, which is reflex integration.
What Are Reflexes?
When babies are born, they have a set of automatic movements called primitive reflexes. These reflexes help babies survive, and they develop in the earliest stages of life. Some of these reflexes even begin developing in utero (inside the womb) and help the baby maneuver outside of the birth canal.
For example, there’s the rooting reflex. When you stroke a baby’s cheek, they will turn toward the touch. This reflex helps the baby find the nipple or bottle, which is essential for feeding. Another example is the Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex. This is like the jumpstart to the fight-or-flight system.
What Is Reflex Integration?
These automatic movements are supposed to gradually disappear during the first year of life or be integrated, meaning they no longer affect movement and behavior.
But when reflexes don’t disappear like they’re supposed to, they can start to cause challenges as a child grows. Some of the difficulties you might notice include:
- Poor posture while sitting
- Poor attention span
- Difficulty with handwriting or reading
- Challenges with emotional regulation and self-regulation
- Sensory processing difficulties
- Overall uncoordinated movements or clumsiness
Sometimes it might look like a sensory issue or an attention concern, but underneath, it could be an unintegrated reflex causing the problem.
Reflexes Can Be Addressed Through OT
The good news is that we can work on reflexes to help them integrate. As an occupational therapist, I can help set you up with a home exercise program that targets specific reflexes. These exercises may include:
- Floor and standing movements
- Activities using a yoga ball
- Play-based movements that fit naturally into your child’s day
During therapy sessions, I also work directly with children on integrating these reflexes.
Occupational Therapy Can Support Reflex Integration
So the good news is that we can work on reflexes to help them integrate. That might look like getting you set up with a home exercise program.
There are lots of different exercises we can use. Some are done on the floor, some are done standing, and some might use a yoga ball. There are also activities that look a little bit more like play, so it’s very easy to implement throughout your daily routine. And then I, as the therapist, can also work on those reflexes during our sessions.
Call Fluens Children’s Therapy for Expert Support
If your kiddo has difficulties with posture, attention, academic skills or just overall coordination, give us a call. We can get you in for an occupational therapy evaluation where I can test your child’s reflexes. That will help us determine if any reflexes are still present or if they’ve already been integrated. And from there, I can tailor a home exercise program specific to your child’s needs.
To learn more or if you have questions, feel free to give us a call at 253-212-3502.