INTRODUCTION
In recent years the role of the primitive reflexes in sensory-motor development has cometo the fore. It has resulted in many new movement programmes being available tochildren under the age of 6 and movement therapy to children of all ages.Is this simply a new fad or is there substance to the claims that inhibiting primitivereflexes can remove barriers to learning?2.
WHAT IS A REFLEX
A reflex is an involuntary muscle reaction in response to sensory stimulation that bringsabout a change.There are three types of reflexes (Ayers, 1980; De Jager, 2009; Fiorentino, 1976;Goddard, 1996):A simple reflex responds when you touch something hot and your hand pulls awaywithout thinking first. These reactions are controlled by the spinal cord and enable you tosurvive. Simple reflexes are active from conception till death. If simple reflexes are noteffective, life needs to be supported mechanically (respirator,heart lung machine etc.).Primitive reflexes develop from conception to spur on progressive development, assistduring the birthing process and enable a baby to survive the first few months of life.Primitive reflexes are controlled by the brain stem and have a limited lifespan starting inutero and inhibiting before six months in life.Postural reflexes are muscular reactions in opposition to the pull of gravity to maintainposture and prevent injury.For the purposes of this article focus will be on the primitive reflexes only.
