We often hear that babies are born with the ability to root (turn their head toward a touch on the cheek to find food), suck, and grasp. They are also born with a moro reflex, which is a startle response where babies throw out their arms then pull them back in, often in response to loud sounds or unexpected movement. As a baby’s brain matures during the first year of life, the moro reflex is supposed to fade and allow mature, conscious responses to control balance and coordination. But in some children, the moro reflex remains hyperactive. This can interfere with the development of physical coordination, balance, learning, and behavior because the constant activation of the fight-or-flight-response disrupts normal neurological development. Children with retained moro reflex may have: difficulty with reading and copywork; poor balance and clumsiness; hyperactivity and lack of focus; or emotional volatility. Fortunately a series of targeted movement therapy can help the brain integrate the retained response into patterns of mature, voluntary control. If your child is facing these challenges, contact us to request an occupational therapy evaluation.
