Dysfunction occurs when Retained Primitive Reflexes (RPRs) are not integrated with the rest of the development of the newborn's body reflexes as they mature. Failure to fully intergrate RPRs can contribute to Autism, Learning Disorders and ADHD.
As children develop and progress through the early stages of life, crucial events and processes take place. Very early on, limbs and organs develop. Later on, we learn to use those limbs and organs. We learn to crawl, and then to walk.
One factor that helps with this transition from the fetus through to early infancy are the primitive reflexes. Primitive reflexes are reflexes controlled by the brainstem and associated lower centers of the nervous system. These primitive reflexes are developed in the uterus, and are essential to a baby’s survival in the early stages of life. Some primitive reflexes even assist in the birthing process.
As a
baby’s brain and nervous system mature, these reflexes are no longer needed, and if retained can become a
hindrance to normal development. While these reflexes remain
with us for the remainder of our life, it is very important that
they become integrated or controlled by the higher centers in the
brain. If these reflexes fail to integrate, or if they
integrate inappropriately, they can disturb the function of the
following:
Gross and fine motor coordination
Visual and auditory perception
Cognition and expression
Social and individual behaviours
These disturbances are commonly found with learning difficulty and
developmental delay.
Dr.
McBride uses corrective techniques developed by Dr. Keith Keen for treating
individuals (children or adults) with retained primitive reflexes. The focus is on structural aberrations of the skull, spine, pelvis
and peripheral skeleton. Correction to theses structures may help
with learning difficulties, developmental delay and behavioural
problems.
You or your child may have
this condition if you suffer from any of the following?