Welcome to another post about the Moro! (pretty much favorite topic). This reflex often referred to as the infant's fight-or-flight response is one of MANY primitive reflexes. If you're unfamiliar with primitive reflexes, they are innate survival instincts that typically disappear within the first year of life. However, when these reflexes persist, especially the Moro reflex, it can significantly impact a child's development.
The Developmental Stages
To grasp the significance of the Moro reflex, it's essential to understand its role in the broader context of early childhood development. Our stress response system evolves through distinct stages—starting with intrauterine reflexes, progressing through primitive reflexes like the Moro, and finally maturing into postural reflexes as we grow older.
During the intrauterine stage, babies exhibit the Fear Paralysis Reflex, which prepares them for survival in the womb. This reflex gives way to the Moro reflex during early pregnancy and sticks around until shortly after birth. The Moro reflex is easily recognizable by the characteristic startle response—arms flung outwards, followed by a grasping motion. This reflex serves a crucial purpose in helping newborns adapt to the sensory overload of the outside world. The Moro eventually gives way to a more mature adult startle reflex.
Implications of Retained Moro Reflex
When the Moro reflex fails to integrate properly into the postural reflex stage, it can lead to a cascade of developmental challenges. Children with a retained Moro reflex often struggle with emotional regulation, sensory processing, attention span, and social interaction, and even physical problems like poor digestion and immune function. Imagine living in a perpetual state of heightened stress where everyday stimuli provoke intense responses—this is the reality for many children with this reflex still active.
Emotional and Sensory Impacts
Emotionally, these children may exhibit heightened anxiety, difficulty managing frustration, and a tendency towards either withdrawal or explosive behavior. Their sensory systems may be hypersensitive (reacting strongly to stimuli like noise or light) or hyposensitive (underreacting, seeming unaware of their surroundings). This dysregulation can also affect their sleep patterns, digestion, and immune function, contributing to issues like allergies, asthma, and poor overall health.
Social and Cognitive Development
Furthermore, the challenges extend to social interactions, where non-verbal cues and social norms may be misinterpreted. This can lead to difficulties in making friends, maintaining eye contact, and understanding others' emotions—critical skills for navigating the social world.
This can also extend to other areas of brain function such as attention and academic performance. Accurate filtering and processing of sensory information is critical to developing good attention. Often times these children struggle to tune out irrelevant input and focus their attention. This can result in very bright children struggling to perform will in school.
Treatment and Hope
The good news is that a retained Moro reflex is treatable. We can settle down the stress response and help this system to mature. This typically involves specific movements designed to retrain the nervous system gradually and gently. While progress can be slow, the results are often transformative—improving emotional stability, sensory processing, and overall quality of life.
As a therapist who has witnessed firsthand the impact of Moro reflex integration, I've seen remarkable changes in children's behavior and well-being. From reducing anxiety and meltdowns to improving focus and social engagement, the journey may be gradual but incredibly rewarding.
The whole picture
Understanding the Moro reflex isn't just about recognizing a physiological response—it's about appreciating its profound influence on a child's entire developmental journey. If you suspect that your child may be struggling with a retained Moro reflex, I encourage you to seek professional guidance. You can visit my website for more information and resources, including a screening questionnaire to assess your child's needs.