Reflexes in Children

Why do you check so many reflexes on my child during their evaluation?

Primitive reflexes are reflexes that develop in utero to assist with natural birth and basic survival needs in infancy. Each reflex has its own predictable timing and duration. As a child’s brain develops in the first 1-2 years of life, these reflexes “turn off” to allow for more advanced postural reflexes and movements to develop. These primitive reflexes lay the foundation for the nervous system and prepare the central nervous system for more complex neurological connections and as they grow such as cognitive abilities, motor control, psychological development, emotional regulation, and learning.

If primitive reflexes fail to “turn off,” the more sophisticated brain structures and functions cannot develop properly and therefore a child has less mature adaptive abilities and reduced ability to express their full potential. These reflexes typically stay active, or retained, due to some stressor that was experienced during pregnancy, birth, or in the 1st year of life. These stressors could be chemical toxins, physical trauma, and/or emotional and mental stress. These stressors can inhibit these reflexes from turning off as well as create tension and stress in the neurospinal system, which is what we address with chiropractic adjustments.

As we continue our care plan with your child with consistent chiropractic care to resolve their neurospinal imbalances and incorporate reflex inhibition exercises as needed, your child will be better able to adapt to their environment and thrive.

Over time, your child should show higher brain function which therefore leads to better balance and coordination, more balanced movement, better focus, less anxiety, and less ADHD symptoms.