Primitive Reflexes and Brain Development in Kids with Autism and ADHD
Primitive Reflex Integration is a Critical Piece of the Puzzle for Kids with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Primitive Reflexes and Brain Development: Understanding Their Impact on Kids with ASD and ADHD
Primitive reflexes are automatic movements babies make in response to certain stimuli. These reflexes are essential during the early stages of life, supporting survival, and aiding in the development of motor skills. Over time, as a child’s brain develops, these reflexes are typically integrated, allowing the frontal lobe to take over voluntary control. However, in some children, primitive reflexes are retained past infancy, creating disruptions in brain development that can hinder growth in crucial areas like focus, emotional regulation, and impulse control. Retained primitive reflexes are often seen in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and understanding their role is key to supporting these children’s development.
What Are Primitive Reflexes?
Primitive reflexes are reflexive actions that originate in the brainstem and are meant to be present only during infancy. Some common primitive reflexes include:
Moro Reflex: Also known as the startle reflex, this reflex causes babies to spread their arms and legs and cry when they feel a sensation of falling.
Palmar Reflex: This causes babies to grasp anything placed in their palm, an instinctive behavior that helps early development.
Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR): When a baby’s head is turned to one side, this reflex causes the arm on that side to extend while the opposite arm bends. This is essential for early eye-hand coordination.
These reflexes are gradually replaced by more sophisticated, voluntary control from the frontal lobe as a child grows. In neurotypical development, most primitive reflexes are integrated by 6 to 12 months. When retained beyond this stage, however, they can interfere with the functions typically controlled by the frontal lobe.
How Retained Primitive Reflexes Impact Frontal Lobe Development
The frontal lobe is responsible for higher-order functions such as planning, focus, emotional regulation, and impulse control. As primitive reflexes are integrated, the frontal lobe is free to take on more complex roles, transitioning the child from reflexive, survival-based behaviors to voluntary, adaptive behaviors.
When primitive reflexes are retained, however, they continue to drive automatic, reflexive responses to stimuli, which can limit the development and function of the frontal lobe. This can manifest as:
Focus and Attention Issues: Retained reflexes can prevent a child from maintaining steady focus. The continuous presence of these reflexes means the child is frequently “pulled” into reflexive movements or responses, making it difficult to engage in sustained attention.
Emotional Regulation: With a retained Moro reflex, for example, children may experience heightened sensitivity to stress or sudden stimuli, as if they’re constantly in “startle” mode. This can lead to emotional outbursts and an overactive stress response.
Impulse Control: Impulse control is largely managed by the frontal lobe, which allows for reflective thinking rather than immediate reaction. Retained reflexes can override this process, making it difficult for children to pause and think before reacting.
In children with ASD and ADHD, these issues are often more pronounced due to underlying neurodevelopmental differences. When retained reflexes continue to dominate, they can compound the challenges these children already face, such as difficulties in social interactions, emotional regulation, and behavior management.
Primitive Reflexes Commonly Retained in ASD and ADHD
Certain retained reflexes are especially common among children with ASD and ADHD and may play a role in their symptoms:
Moro Reflex: Retention of the Moro reflex keeps the child in a heightened state of alertness, which can lead to anxiety, emotional outbursts, hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli, and difficulties with concentration.
Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR): If this reflex remains active, it can affect a child’s ability to cross the midline, a skill that is necessary for reading and writing. Children with retained ATNR may struggle with fine motor skills, coordination, and can even experience difficulties in social and spatial awareness.
Spinal Galant Reflex: This reflex causes babies to curve toward one side when the lower back is stroked. When retained, it can lead to difficulties in sitting still, often seen in children with ADHD as “wiggling” or “fidgeting,” and can impact focus and attention.
How Addressing Retained Primitive Reflexes Can Support Frontal Lobe Development
By identifying and addressing retained primitive reflexes, we can help reduce their interference with frontal lobe development, allowing children with ASD and ADHD to make gains in key areas like focus, impulse control, and emotional regulation. Here’s how:
Improving Focus and Attention: When primitive reflexes are integrated, the frontal lobe can take on a greater role in sustaining attention. Therapies aimed at reflex integration can help children maintain better focus and reduce distractibility.
Enhancing Emotional Regulation: With reflexes like the Moro and Spinal Galant integrated, children are less likely to experience stress overreactions and are better able to manage their emotions.
Boosting Impulse Control: As the frontal lobe gains control, children can improve their ability to think before reacting. Reflex integration exercises reduce automatic responses, allowing for more thoughtful decision-making and helping children develop impulse control.
Integrating Primitive Reflexes Through the Brain-Body RESET Program
At Minnesota Chiropractic Neurology, Dr. Huffman’s Brain-Body RESET Program takes a brain-centered approach to help children with retained primitive reflexes. By integrating these reflexes, we can unlock the potential for more advanced frontal lobe function. Our program includes:
Reflex Integration Exercises: Tailored exercises that gently stimulate and integrate primitive reflexes. Over time, these exercises help “switch off” retained reflexes and allow the frontal lobe to take over voluntary control.
Brain-Based Therapies: Using functional neurology techniques, we engage the brain to strengthen communication pathways, enabling smoother reflex integration. These therapies include neurofeedback and targeted stimulation to encourage balanced brain development.
Nutritional and Metabolic Support: Nutritional deficiencies or imbalances can impact neural development. We assess and address these areas, ensuring the brain has the right “fuel” to grow and develop, making reflex integration more effective.
Success Stories: Real-Life Outcomes of Reflex Integration
Parents often report significant improvements after reflex integration therapy. Many children show reduced anxiety, greater self-control, and improved focus. For children with ASD and ADHD, this approach can be transformative, providing relief from symptoms that previously seemed uncontrollable.
For example, a child with a retained Moro reflex may transition from being highly sensitive to calm and more focused. A child with retained ATNR may see improvements in coordination, which in turn enhances their confidence and reduces frustration.
A Holistic Approach to Neurological Development
Retained primitive reflexes are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to supporting children with ASD and ADHD. By integrating these reflexes, Dr. Huffman’s Brain-Body RESET Program helps children overcome developmental barriers and strengthens their brain’s ability to function at a higher level. This approach empowers them to engage more fully in learning, social interactions, and daily life with improved focus, control, and emotional resilience.
If you’re interested in learning more about how our Brain-Body RESET Program can support children with ASD, ADHD, and retained primitive reflexes, contact Minnesota Chiropractic Neurology today to schedule a consultation.
Contact Information: Minnesota Chiropractic Neurology
5372 Edgewood Dr.
Mounds View, MN 55112
Phone: 763-398-7770
Email: mnchironeuro@gmail.com