Primitive Reflexes: Roadblocks to Learning

Primitive reflexes are at the very foundation of normal human growth and development. They are the building blocks that stimulate and support higher-level body and brain organization.

• Natural development starts with reflex movements – automatic, involuntary reactions to stimuli such as sound, touch, or movement.

• Reflexes transition, as the brain and muscles mature, to intentional movements.

• This transition leads to internal awareness which facilitates self-regulation and development of physical, intellectual, emotional, and cognitive processes.

• Therefore, development and learning move from involuntary (non-intentional) processes to voluntary, intentional, controlled processes.

Why does the Learning Academy target primitive reflexes?

Reflexes that continue to fire when they are not needed interfere with development, often resulting in challenges in the following areas:

• Attention

• Movement

• Mental, emotional, and/or physical flexibility

• Organization in time and space

• Sequencing

• Emotional control

• Anxiety

• Stamina and energy

• Visual-motor skills

• Language and learning

During assessment and treatment, the Learning Academy focuses on primitive reflex integration to address their interference with development, learning, and attention.

To find out more about the Learning Academy and whether your child would benefit, visit here.