When a baby is born, they are born with a variety reflexes designed to protect the baby from harm called primitive reflexes. These reflexes typically integrate, or are no longer present, usually by one year old, as the baby becomes more mobile.
These primitive reflexes serve as a foundation for proper development and really pave a path for future skills
One of those primitive reflexes is called the Moro reflex, also known as the fight or flight response. The Moro reflex is the startle reflex in babies that often looks like their arms flailing backward if you lean them back or lay them down too quickly. It is also the reason that newborns often “startle” themselves awake if they are not swaddled. This reflex typically integrates between the 2nd and 4th month, however if a baby is born early, that reflex may be present longer.
Sometimes, for whatever reason, these reflexes do not integrate properly and are “retained” or still present in the body. Without proper integration, there are often delays in development.
For the Moro reflex specifically there is often a hypersensitivity to sounds, sights, smells, touch and tastes. Some signs of a retained Moro reflex include:
Poor coordination
Balance problems
Motion sickness
Sensitivity to bright lights
Difficulty reading back print on white paper
Dislike of loud noises
Easily distracted
Allergies and lower immunity
Dislike of change
Sensory overload
Poor impulse control
Decreased visual perception
Hypersensitivity
Hyper reactivity
Aversion of different clothing textures
Picky eating
Mood swings
Low stamina or endurance
Occupational therapy can help integrate reflexes and decrease the impact the symptoms above have on the entire family unit.
Is your child struggling with any for the following, reach out to us for a free consultation to see how we can help!