Primitive reflex retention and attention among preschool children

ABSTRACT Primitive reflexes are a critical part of early development but eventually integrate to give rise to volitional and cortically directed movements and higher-level cognitive skills. Failure to integrate these reflexes in a developmentally appropriate stage has shown correlation with developmental delays which affect occupational participation. Retention of reflexes may be linked to academic difficulties, including attention deficits in the classroom. The purpose of this study was to explore prevalence of primitive reflex activity among 4- to 6-year-old children and to understand the relationship between primitive reflex activity and attention. A total of 27 preschool students were screened for 7 primitive reflexes as well as attention utilizing the SNAP-IV. Overall, 100% of the students had at least 1 retained reflex, with STNR being the most common (81.4%). Males demonstrated more reflex activity than females for 6 of the 7 tested reflexes. A significant difference was found between males and females for scores within the inattention subtest of the SNAP-IV, with males scoring higher for inattention. Correlational analyses indicated a statistically significant relationship among males between ATNR activity and opposition/defiance as well as retention of Moro and inattention. Though ongoing research is indicated, the findings of this study support prior research which indicates a need for early screening of primitive reflexes as client factors which could impact occupational performance.