
Neuroplasticity through Sensorimotor & Somatic Integration
Neurodevelopmental Disorders & Retained Reflexes in Children and Adults
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What are Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDs): "Neurodevelopmental Disorders" is the official term for a broad range of conditions that influence how the brain functions and alters neurological development causing difficulties in motor, social, cognitive, and emotional functioning.
Onset of NDs often occur during stages of early development which makes them present in toddlers, children, and adolescents but they often can also persist into adulthood. In some cases children can outgrow symptoms associated with NDs but in many cases untreated underlying problems can lead to compensatory and dysfunctional patterns in behavior and movement that make life more challenging.
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There are many types of conditions but more common ones include motor disorders, autism spectrum disorder, communication disorders, developmental coordination disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, cerebral palsy, learning disorders, intellectual disorders, among may others.
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Symptoms associated with NDs are dependent on the ND itself but some of the more common problems affects areas of:
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Movement problems, missed milestones, and delays
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Memory
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Language and communication
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Behavior
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Learning
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Speech and articulation
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Social skills
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Emotions
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Early identification as well as proper nutrition, physical exercise, mind/body practices, and appropriate integration of retained reflexes all play a role in helping manage neurodevelopmental symptoms when they are present.
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What are Primitive & Retained Reflexes?
Primitive reflexes are involuntary movement responses that originate in the brainstem. Present in utero and immediately after birth, these reflexes play a critical role in a baby’s survival and development during the first 12 months of life. They are foundational building blocks for movement and help create strong neurological connections between the brain and body.
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As the child’s neurological system and brain mature, these reflexes typically integrate into more complex movement patterns, and by the end of the first year, they are no longer observable in most cases. However, when these reflexes fail to integrate, they can lead to issues not only with physical movement but also with cognitive function and behavior as the child continues to develop.
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Even when fully integrated, primitive reflexes may reappear later in life, particularly during stressful times, illness, or injury to the nervous system. When these reflexes do not mature properly or resurface during adolescence or adulthood following trauma, stress, or injury, they become what we call "retained reflexes." Retained reflexes can directly interfere with the brain-body connection and create significant challenges in a person's development.
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These retained reflexes disrupt the natural process of physical, cognitive, and emotional maturity, leading to difficulties in social and educational environments. Moreover, the impact of these disruptions extends beyond the individual, affecting family relationships as well.
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Misdiagnosis of Movement and Behavioral Conditions:
In some cases, when reflexes reemerge, they may not look exactly like they did during early development or in utero. As children or adults grow older and become more conditioned to interacting with their environment, it can be harder to observe these reflexes. When they do resurface, they often show up in more subtle ways, manifesting as physical, mental, or sensory symptoms. These can include autonomic changes, pain, confusion, hypersensitivity, muscle stiffness or weakness, coordination issues, difficulty walking, energy fatigue, eye strain, or other movement or learning imbalances.
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When retained reflexes are present in a child or adult, cognitive processing and behavioral problems are often linked as well. Research increasingly supports the connection between retained reflexes and conditions like anxiety, OCD, ADHD, autism, autonomic nervous system disorders, depression, and more.
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Because of these associations, it’s crucial to identify retained reflexes early. A thorough examination of the nervous system is necessary, going beyond just checking basic milestones and reflexes like those in the ankle and knee, especially for children.
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What Causes Retained Reflexes in Young Children & Adults:
Retained reflexes can affect both children and adults. They may be triggered by various factors such as brain injury, missed developmental milestones, illness (including Long Haul Covid), trauma, chronic stress, excessive overtraining, or any taxing event that impacts the nervous system. These experiences can cause primitive reflexes, or parts of them, to reactivate and resurface.
Primitive reflexes are the foundation of all voluntary movement. In a healthy, developed nervous system, they exist within larger voluntary movement patterns, quietly supporting movement without disrupting it. In fact, they can even assist with complex actions, like lifting heavy objects, regaining balance when we lose it, or reacting quickly to dangerous situations—without us having to think about it.
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However, when the brain or nervous system is compromised in some way, these reflexes can reemerge, often becoming disruptive and taking over certain movements. In such cases, sensorimotor therapy is often needed to help these reflexes integrate properly and return to a balanced state.
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What Do Retained Reflexes Look and Feel Like?
In many cases, retained reflexes can be difficult to diagnose and may go unnoticed during routine wellness checks or physical exams. Research suggests that over 65% of preschool children show signs of some retained reflexes. Both adults and children may experience these reflexes in different ways, including missed developmental milestones, movement dysfunctions, speech issues, learning difficulties, and disruptive behaviors that affect them in unique ways.
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Some common symptoms associated with retained reflexes include poor coordination, balance issues, sensory perception problems, challenges with fine motor skills, sleep disturbances, immune system struggles, low energy levels, impulse control difficulties, concentration issues, and problems in social, emotional, and academic learning.
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If retained reflexes are not properly managed in childhood and continue to cause disruption into adulthood, they can lead to larger imbalances in social, behavioral, and relationship functioning. Additionally, over time, individuals may develop compensatory strategies that can result in more severe physical symptoms, such as chronic muscle tightness that doesn't improve with stretching, chronic pain, repetitive musculoskeletal problems or injuries, neurological symptoms, or even conditions that involve disruption to the nervous system and may require surgical intervention.
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How We Test for Reflexes:
We assess retained reflexes by carefully observing how you or your child interact with different movement patterns and sensory experiences. In addition, we use specific tests to directly identify whether these reflexes are present and disrupting voluntary movement. This assessment process helps us understand which retained reflexes, or parts of reflexes, might still be active and interfering with the brain-body connection.
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In many cases, multiple reflexes can be affecting the nervous system at once. That’s why we evaluate everything—from the eyes and nose down to the toes. We include screening for retained reflexes as part of all our physical therapy evaluations for both adults and children, regardless of the condition being treated.
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How We Treat Retained Reflexes:
As long as reflexes remain unintegrated, the body stays in a state of disharmony, constantly trying to find balance. Once we identify which reflexes may be interfering with you or your child, we support the integration process by creating a comprehensive program focused on self-care, movement, and multi-sensory experiences. We show parents, children, and individuals how to work directly with these reflexes to successfuly integrate them once and for all.
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We use sensorimotor and neuroplasticity-based techniques that incorporate proprioceptive and tactile feedback to help rebalance the nervous system. This allows the reflexes to move into the background. As a result, voluntary control often feels easier, energy levels improve, and there is often greater ease and balance felt in both cognition and movement based systems.
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Taking a more holistic approach to addressing the body allows for true integration and mind-body balance. As this balance is restored, interventions like movement training or exercise become much more tolerable and produce better results.
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How Neurogenic Tremoring Can Help Manage Retained Reflexes in Children, Teenagers in Adults:
Depending on the level of integration needed, we can teach you or your child a technique called neurogenic tremoring to support the integration process and help manage retained reflexes when they are present.
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Neurogenic tremoring works directly with the autonomic nervous system (ANS) through an easy-to-learn technique that enables you or your child to self-integrate retained reflexes. We use this technique therapeutically to assist with underlying retained reflexes that may be harder to detect and to help with sensory restimulation when appropriate.
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This technique is especially effective for individuals with a history of neurodevelopmental issues, chronic pain, or muscular stiffness and tone imbalances associated with retained reflexes. Once learned, it can be safely used as a self-care tool.
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We are a certified provider for neurogenic tremoring. For more information about the benefits of this technique, please reach out to us!
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Unitegrated Reflexes We Look For in Children and Adults:
It is estimated that over 50-60% of the population has retained reflexes, with one out of six children potentially affected. Recent studies suggest that motor problems related to retained reflexes and sensorimotor issues do not simply disappear with age. In fact, those who show movement pattern problems during puberty often carry these unintegrated reflexes into adulthood, leading to further complications within the nervous system. Because of this, we take early identification of sensorimotor issues and retained reflexes in children very seriously and assess for these disruptions in similar ways for both children and adults.
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There are over 82 different reflexes that can be tested in children and adults to determine if they are still active.
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Below are a few of the most common retained reflexes we see in both children and adults, along with the associated physical, cognitive, and behavioral challenges that may arise with each.
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Please note that assessing primitive reflexes should only be done by a trained professional. Attempting to do so without proper knowledge may cause additional stress to an individual’s nervous system. If you suspect that any of these retained reflexes may be affecting you or your child, please reach out to us to set up a time where we can connect and chat more to learn how we may be able to best help.
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Fear Paralysis
Moro Reflex
Babkin Reflex
Oral and Grasping Reflexes
TLR: Tonic Labyrinthine
Spinal Galant Reflex
ATNR: Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex
Hands-Pulling Reflex
Crossed Extensors Reflex
Babinski Reflex
Amphibian Reflex
STNR: Symmetric Tonic Neck Reflex
Startle Reflex
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Fear Paralysis Reflex (FPR):
This reflex emerges at five to seven weeks in utero and is integrated ideally before birth (preferably before 12th week). It plays a role in protection of both unborn baby and mother. It also protects the fetus from mother's excessiv cortisol or adrenaine or other toxins by slowing or shutting down its systems. The protective response is often an abrupt motor paralysis, unresponsiveness, and an abnormal slowing of heartrate and respiration to allow all the motor's physiological resources to be available for her. When this reflex is unintegrated it can cause life-long challenges related to fear to the baby or individual. Manifestations of retained reflex can be far reaching and highly varied.
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Risk Factors for retained FPR reflex:
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Heavy smoking, alcohol consumption, drug addition, and medication during pregnancy
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C-section delivery, highly stressful pregnancy's, premature birth, small birth weight
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Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in siblings
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Panic Disorders, agoraphobia, or emotional distress in parents
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Associated conditions when retained: ADHD, autism, central auditory processing disorder, dyspraxia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and selective mutism.
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Possible Physical and Cognitive Problems:
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Increased cortisol
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​Hypersensitivity to touch, sound, light, smell, and/or taste
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High blood sugar
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Breath holding
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Low digestive enzyme
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Rapid drops in blood pressure
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Inability to speak at times or in classroom discussion
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Defiant behaviors at home/temper tantrums
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Gut brain dysregulation
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Panic
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Sweating or Nausea
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Cytokine activation of brain microglia
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Hyperactive Immune system
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Low Ph balance (yeast, candida, parasites due to reduced blood flow to digestive tract)
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Muscular freezing following startle
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Shallow, difficult breathing
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Underlying anxiety or negativity
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Insecure, low self-esteem
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Depression/isolation/withdrawal
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Constant feelings of overwhelm
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Extreme shyness, fear in groups
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Excessive fear of embarrassment
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Isolation and depression
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Inability to create eye contact
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Reluctance to try new things
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Staring intensely without blinking
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Fear of separation from a loved one, clinging
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Sleep & eating disorders
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Feeling stuck
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Elective mutism
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Low tolerance to stress
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Withdrawal from touch
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Avoidance of clothes or getting dressed
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Aggressive or controlling behavior, craves attention
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Extreme fear of failure, perfectionism
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Phobias
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Low muscle tone/Hypermobility Syndrome
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Moro Reflex:
The Moro reflex appears in utero (after fear paralysis reflex) after nine to twelve weeks and often integrates three to four months after birth. It is considered the "gateway" reflex and paves the way for successful emergence and integration of all the subsequent reflexes. This reflex helps with the development of breathing mechanism and birthing process. It protects the infant from excessive or sudden stimuli, and prepares the baby for maintaining vertical and horizontal head position.
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Moro reflex also offers a two stage protection causing the baby to arch the head back, lift the arms up and back, spread fingers and take a gasp of air and hold it. The second stage, cases the child to curl forward, pull legs, up, fold the arms and ross the chest, clench the fists, and breath to ad cry for help. This involves a grasping response to the mother as well as protection of vulnerable body parts.
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Test for retained Moro Reflex: First phase involves a quick head back movement of the baby/child done by you or by the child. This may cause a response of lifting arms up and back, spreading of fingers, and tasking a grasp of air and holding; the second phase, is then head forward motion either by you or the child with a automatic response of the legs pulling towards the chest and crossing, folding of the arms, and breathing out with cry.
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Risk Factors for retained Moro reflex:
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Poor nutrition
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Environmental contaminants like chemicals, toxins, and electromagnetic frequencies
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Birth stresses including C-sections, forceps births, breach births, and premature births
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Associated conditions when retained: ADHD, autism, central auditory processing disorder, cerebral palsy, dyspraxia, dyslexia, visual processing disorders, and other neurological conditions and pathologies
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Possible Physical and Cognitive Problems:
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Sleep disturbances, difficulty settling down to sleep
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Easily triggered, reacts in anger or emotional outburst
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Increased cortisol levels
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High blood sugar
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Low digestive enzyme
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Hyperactive immune system
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Gut/brain dysregulation and/or inflammation
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Shyness
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Frequent crying, clingy, or fussy as baby
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Poor balance and coordination
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Poor stamina
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Nausea
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Motion sickness
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Dislikes playing, tumbling, or amusement type rides
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Hard to manage rapidly approaching stimuli (ball catching)
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Poor digestion, tendency towards hypoglycemia
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Weak immune system, asthma, allergies and infections
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Hypersensitivity to light, movement, sound, touch & smell
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Vision/reading/writing difficulties
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Difficulty adapting to change
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Cycles of hyperactivity and extreme fatigue
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Easily distracted, difficulty filtering out extraneous stimuli
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Difficulty catching a ball
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Difficulty with visual perception
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Adrenal fatigue
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Panic attacks
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Mood swings
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Anxiety and fear
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Aggressive outbursts
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Difficulty giving or accepting affections
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Constantly picked on
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Chronic colds and/or allergies
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Difficulty finishing meals/snaking tendencies
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Withdrawal from new situations
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Tires easily or is irritable under fluorescent lighting
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Babkin Reflex:
This reflex appears at nine weeks and persists until the fourth month of life. It helps develop skills for nursing. It stimulates had and mouth behaviors together including sucking, swallowing, biting, and chewing. It also supports speech development.
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Test for Retained Babkin Reflex: Pressing on the space slightly below the thumb of the baby's hand will cause opening of the mouth and bending of head forward toward chest. Doing to only one side cause head turning to that side
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Possible Physical and Cognitive Problems When Retained Babkin Reflex:
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Difficulty with nursing
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habitual hunger
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Food allergies
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Constant clenching of fists
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Difficulty with fine motor skills such as buttoning of clothes and writing
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Eating disorders
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Messy Eating
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Thumb sucking or nail biting habits
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Involuntary movements of mouth and tongue while writing, reading, or other activities
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Grasping and Oral Reflexes:
These reflexes emerge early in utero and infancy and are generally integrated in the first year. When they're active you may see children or adults moving their tongue or mouth while drawing, writing, or using their hands. Grasp reflexes form the basis of neurological loops between the palms of the movements of the mouth.
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Test for Grasping Reflex (Hand): place finger in the palm of infants hand, this will prompt the baby to curl his fingers with thumb usually underneath the index finger. Two phases consist of first grasping motion then holding.
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Possible Motor and Cognitive Problems:
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Speech delay or difficulties
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Swallowing problems
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Difficulty in social situations
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Drooling
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Stuttering or poor articulation
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Involuntary hand movements when speaking
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Manual dexterity challenges
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Hypersensitivity to palms with touch
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Poor pencil grip
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Handwriting difficulties
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Tension with writing
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Gross motor skills with crawling, swimming, ad throwing and catching a ball
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TMJ syndrome
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Loose, easily sprained ankles
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Toe walking
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Flatfooted or walking on sides of feet/hip rotation
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Difficulty expressing written ideas
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Addictions
TLR: Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex:
TLR "forward" emerges at three to four months in utero while TLR "backward" emerges at birth. TLR forward integrates three to four moths of life while TLR backward integates more gradually persisting until age three to four years.
These both helps the baby learn about gravity, separates the front and the back, and helps further master neck, head and limb control. This reflex helps the baby practice balance, increase muscle tone, and develop proprioceptive and vestibular senses to move from the floor to all fours. This reflex helps with the organization of postural control, overall balance with standing, visual tracking, and auditory processing.
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Test for Retained TLR Forward: Raising head while on back or belly: On belly causes immediate bending of arms and legs (as fetal);
Test for Retained TLR Backwards: Lowering the head to cause immediate extension of the arms and legs and stiffening (even arching) of the back; toes may point and the hands may clench
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Possible Physical and Cognitive Problems:
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Not walking by age two
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Balance and coordination problems
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Tendency for cross-eyed
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Problems with math
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Emotional Problems
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Shrunken posture
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Fatigues easily
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Muscle tone usually weak or too tight
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Difficulty judging distance, depth, space and speed
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May have a fear of heights
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“W” leg position when floor sitting
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Motion sickness
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Visual, speech, auditory difficulties
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Auditory confusion and overload during
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Difficulty blocking out irrelevant stimuli
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Tendency to be cross-eyed
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Stiff jerky movement
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Toe walking
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Difficulty following directions
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Difficulty judging direction, distance, velocity, and spatial orientation (where they are in relationship to objects or others)
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Difficulty walking up and down stairs
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Disorganized and forgetfulness
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Difficulty following directional or movement instructions
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ADHD
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Difficulty learning from mistakes
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Unable to determine cause and effect
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Unable to notice spaces between paragraphs or words
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Letters may appear revered
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Poor comprehension
Spinal Galant:
This reflex emerges at twenty weeks in utero and remains active for the first three to six moths of life. This reflex aids with the helping the baby navigate the passage through the birth canal and helps with development of inner ear and balance nessary for crawling and creeping. Supports muscles of lower back, buttocks, pelvis, and back of legs.
Test for Retained Spinal Gallant Reflex: This reflex is tested by touching the sides of the back lightly and looking for a bending of the lower back muscles.
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Possible Motor and Cognitive Problems:
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Hypersensitivity to touch especially on the back
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Bedwetting
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Mental fatigue
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Fatigue
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Attention difficulties
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Difficulty with leg control
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Dislike for sports
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Hip rotation to one side
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Prefers laying down instead of sitting activities
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Challenges with school performance
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Poor concentration
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Poor coordination
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Poor short-term memory
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Fidgeting
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Poor fine motor notably hand writing
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Hyperactivity
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Difficulty sitting still
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Irritable bowel syndrome (as adult)
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Scoliosis or other spinal abnormalities
ATNR Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR):
This reflex emerges in utero at 13 weeks and simulates kicking as well as slight movements for comfort while in the womb. It helps early with the development of muscle tone and during labor to navigate the birth canal during delivery. After birth, it helps develop motor skills including turning over and crawling. It also helps with developing hand-eye coordination as well as the vestibular system. Integration of this reflex helps shoulders to work independently of the neck
Testing for retained ATNR reflex: With turning of head to a side, you will see an associated opposite arm bend and leg bend. Often referred to ass "fencers pose" and is one of more commonly retained reflexes seen in children and adults.
Possible Motor and Cognitive Problems:
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Dyslexia
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Difficulty crossing midline
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Pain with driving
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Joint and bone misalignment
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Scoliosis
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Subluxations or dislocations of hip
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Reversal of letters and numbers
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Reading, listening, hand writing and spelling difficulties
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Difficulty with math
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Difficulty in reading comprehension
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Fighting against "unseen force" when engaging in arm activities
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Difficulty running, bike riding, roller blading
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Tight gripping/frequent shaking out of hands with activities
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Twist body or turn page 90 degrees during writing for compensation
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Poor sense of direction
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Confused handedness
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Poor focus
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Balance difficulties
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Selfishness ad egocentricity
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Impatience
Hands -Pulling Reflex:
This reflex emerges about 28 weeks in utero and is integrated by two months. It works to help develop ability to grasp as well as gross and fine motor movements. This helps with the ability to perform mirroring movements such as clapping or jumping jacks together ad works closely with other reflexes
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Test for retained Hands-Pulling Reflex: Place child or baby on back. Wrists should be grasped and child pulled into sitting position. Stimulation of the wrists promotes bending of the elbow, followed by bending of the head towards the chest and flexion of the core.
Possible Motor and Cognitive Problems:
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Difficulty drawing
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Problems performing fine motor tasks
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Hypotonic muscles in arms, hands and upper body
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Hypertonic muscles in arms, hands, and upper body
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Difficulty in coordination of L and R working together
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Decrease coordination
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Difficulties reading or spelling
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Crossed Extensor Reflex (CER)
This reflex shows up in utero and remains active for the first or second month of life. It influences both movement and cognition. This reflex is also known as the "withdrawal reflex" and can be helpful when the need to shift off of one foot and to another for protection. It allows the individual to develop strong connections between left and right brain and provides concept of two legs. It is a critical component in athletic training and performance and enables teamwork between the limbs
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Test of retained CER: Firm pressure at the center of the sole of foot (K1 acupuncture point). This causes an reaction of the other leg to first bend, move outward to the side, then tense itself.
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Possible Motor and Cognitive Problems:
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Poor left and right discrepancy
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Poor concepts of legs
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difficulty moving legs up and down or shifting body weight
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Uneven walking or poor rhythm
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Tripping
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Poor lower extremity coordination or balance
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Vision problems
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Binocular vision
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Difficulty with math
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Poor handwriting or fine motor skills with dressing
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Hypersensitivity, especially on the back
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Reading difficulties
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Black and white thinking
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Decrease speed of perception and thinking
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ADHD
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Aggression
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Other emotional challenges
Babinski Reflex:
This reflex appear about one week after birth and remains active in the first year of life. It helps in development of joint rotation, especially feet, ankles, knees, and hips. It also helps develop gross motor coordination allowing for crawling, standing, walking, and running. It has close ties with the vestibular system and plays a role in development of balance, coordination, speech development, and higher-level cognition skills.
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Test for Retained Babinski Reflex: Pressing on the space slightly below the thumb of the baby's hand will cause opening of the mouth and bending of head forward toward chest. Doing to only one side cause head turning to that side
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Possible Physical and Cognitive Problems When Retained Babinski Reflex:
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Abnormal gait
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Hip rotation
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Shuffling during walking
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Walking on inside or outside of feet
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Odd wearing of running shoes
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Curling of toes upward
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Running or walking difficulty
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Problems wearing shoes
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Bunions
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Balance and Stability problems
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Speech problems
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Poor abstract thinking
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Can be present with Parkinson's, ALS, brain tumors, spinal cord injuries, spinal cord tumors, stroke, and spinal tuberculosis
STNR: Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR):
This reflex emerges at six to nine months and integrates between nine and eleven months it supports vision and binaural hearing. It helps the baby to begin crawling using bilateral movement, which in turns helps gross and fine motor skills. This reflex also helps develop intentional movement leading to the ability to get up on hands and knees and using the body's upper and lower halves independently.
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Test for STNR: This reflex is tested by asking the child to lift their head in an all fours position or in standing. A response of arms extending and legs bending may occur. When asking the child to bend their head in all fours or standing, the arms may bend and legs straightening.
Possible Motor and Cognitive Problems:
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Poor posturing - stooped shoulders, bent knees, bent hips
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Head lowering at desk during work
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Sitting with legs wrapped around chair
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Prolonged W sitting
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Challenges with farsightedness and vertical eye tracking
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Squirming or fidgeting; poor posture, slouching
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Difficulty crawling
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Hypertonicity of muscles
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Unsynchronized movements
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Headaches from muscle tension
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Difficulty writing and reading
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Unable to catch ball
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Difficulty sitting still
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Difficulty copying from blackboard
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Ape-like walking
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Vision disorders
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Short term memory issues
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Lack of impulse control
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Trouble staying on task
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Clumsy, messy eater
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ADHD
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Autism
Amphibian Reflex:
This reflex is a life long postural reflex that emerges in a child between 4-6 months and develops after arms and legs are no longer dependent on position of the head. This reflex is responsible for helping develop the strength and coordination to move the arm, hip, and knee on the same side of the body to allow for crawling. This helps the baby to develop the strength and coordination for crawling.
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Test for Retained Amphibian Reflex: Gently stroke the side of the abdominals to cause to see if a contraction of abdominals occurs
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Possible Physical and Cognitive Problems:
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Clumsiness
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Excessive tension in lower legs
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Difficulty Crawling
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Poor hand eye coordination
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Difficulty distinguishing left and right
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Problems skipping
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Problems walking
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Problems running
Startle Reflex:
The startle reflex can appear similar to the moro reflex but can also take other form that involve different types of musculoskeletal contractions including eye blinking. This reflex is simulated by sudden or unexpected sounds, bright lights, or movements. A similar response can occurs with the head going backwards, arms and leg's extending.
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Test for Retained Startle Reflex: Unexpected sounds or voices cause a startle like response or series of musculoskeletal contractions in body.
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Possible Physical and Cognitive Problems:
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muscular stiffness following startle
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chronic uneasiness
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chronic fascial tension
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excessive blinking
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increased heart rate
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heat intolerance/sweating
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Inability to tolerate crowded or noisy areas
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Easily triggered, reacts in anger or emotional outburst
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Shyness
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Poor digestion
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PTSD
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Panic Disorders
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General Anxiety Disorders