Vision Therapy for Primitive Reflexes

Primitive Reflexes are involuntary movements in infancy that lay the foundation of our nervous system, growth and development. Many of these reflexes develop in utero and serve a unique purpose during birth and the first year of life to help us reach developmental milestones through their repetitive movement patterns. While these reflexes are critical during infancy, they are meant to be replaced by higher order movements, coordination and motor control as the child begins to develop. If these reflexes are retained beyond infancy, it can affect our overall development and present in the following ways:

• Emotional immaturity
• Inability to regulate emotions
• Anxiety or Anger
• Trouble with focusing and staying on task
• Inability to sit still
• Clumsiness
• Poor eye-hand coordination
• Socially awkward
• Vision problems
• Low tolerance to stress
• Poor posture, muscle tone and coordination
• Struggles with reading and writing
• Speech and hearing problems
• Bedwetting beyond age 6

How do primitive reflexes relate to vision?

Primitive reflexes play a significant role in the development of visual skills and ocular movements. When these reflexes are not integrated properly during infancy, it can lead to difficulties in vision and eye coordination. If a child has retained primitive reflexes, they may exhibit issues such as poor eye tracking, difficulty focusing, and challenges with visual perception. These issues can affect a child's ability to learn and interact with their environment effectively. There are many reflexes that impact vision, but here is just one example: The Symmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) helps an infant learn to control the head in relation to the body, which is essential for developing stable posture and focus. This stability is crucial for the eyes to track and fixate on objects effectively. It also facilitates the baby to move the upper and lower body parts separately which help with the development of eye-hand coordination.

Retained reflexes don't just apply to children

Trauma can reactivate primitive reflexes that are typically integrated during infancy. This can be a physical event, perceived threat, chronic stress or emotional trauma. This can happen because trauma affects the nervous system and can cause a regression to more primitive survival responses. Here's how trauma can activate these reflexes:

• Stress Response: Trauma can trigger the body's stress response, which may cause a reversion to primitive reflex patterns as a protective mechanism. The body may revert to these reflexes in an attempt to cope with the stress or threat.
• Neurological Impact: Traumatic experiences can impact neurological pathways and the functioning of the brain, potentially leading to the re-emergence of reflexes that were previously integrated.
• Fight or Flight: In response to trauma, the body's fight or flight system is activated, which can lead to the reactivation of reflexes that are associated with immediate survival needs.

When these reflexes are reactivated in older children or adults, they can interfere with normal functioning and development. This can manifest as challenges with coordination, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and even learning abilities. Therapeutic interventions, such as reflex integration therapy, occupational therapy, or other forms of neurodevelopmental treatment, can help reintegrate these reflexes and address the issues caused by trauma.

Our clinic can ASSESS and TREAT Primitive Reflexes.

If you suspect you or your child may have retained Primitive Reflexes, we offer no-charge consults so give us a call! 801-546-3355 option 2