Reflections of brain-body functioning

The presence of primitive and postural reflexes at key stages in development provide reliable indicators of maturity in the functioning of the Central Nervous System. Primitive reflexes are tested routinely at birth and in the first few weeks of postnatal life but are not re-assessed at a later age as a matter of course. This paper examines the functions and effects of three primitive reflexes, explaining how abnormal primitive reflexes can predispose a child to allergy, anxiety, coordination problems and subsequent learning and behavioral challenges including inattention. © Copyright 2005 Pearblossom Private School, Inc.–Publishing Division. All rights reserved.