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Retained Reflexes

845 views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  heatherweh 
#1 ·
We finally, finally, finally got a good OT evaluation (over a year coming!) for DD, 7-1/2, with ADHD but also some motor and social issues. We really liked the therapist, and she noted I think all the things we see DD struggle with. For example, DD is exceptionally strong and flexible, but has had a lot of trouble learning new movements that have to be done quickly, like catching a ball or doing jumping jacks. One of the things the therapist said was that DD has some retained reflexes, for example the Moro, that she has to work against. Does anybody know anywhere that I can learn more about this? I trust this therapist, that's not the issue. We got a really good feeling about her at this first meeting, and she also came recommended by someone in the field whom we knew years ago and thought highly of (that woman recognized our name and changed DD's appointment to be with the particular therapist).

My daughter had a horrific birth due to a complete previa. I don't think about that much anymore, but I hate having to go back into the story at new places. I don't like to be reminded of how close she came to dying and it just makes me so sad that things did not go differently.

Edited to had: the "finally" part was just because of wait times where we live. We got an eval but a cranky tired person about a year ago, but that whole facility went under (and never told those of us on the wait list).
 
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#2 ·
We have some retained reflexes as well with DS1 who is 5, one is also the Moro. I have mentioned it for years to all sorts of therapists and specialists including our neurologist and have never once received an answer. I chalk it up to brain immaturity which is not a great answer other then I have no other answer! DS1 does have ASD but has another larger undiagnosed medical condition that affects his muscle tone. For us, I was the one that "diagnosed" his retained reflexes because I have never seen it mentioned on any of his numerous evaluations.
 
#3 ·
My son's OT noted a retained primitive reflex - Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex. He's diagnosed as ASD level 1, dyslexic, apraxia, hypotonia, spd, and others. No real explanation about the reflex.
 
#4 ·
Retained reflexes is fascinating. I went to a training seminar about this topic perhaps two years ago. The name of the seminar for paretns and professionals is called "Connections", the speaker is the owner of the Norfolk School of Fine Arts (or something along that vein). In any case, there were very helpful checklists and ways to tell which reflexes are retained and specific exercises to do to create the connections that were missed and alleviate those reflexes, allowing growth and maturation. She had case studies and video evidence of how this has helped her students. It has something to do with crossing the midline, my son actually has a really hard tome doing exercises that cross the midline. These can be worked on and strengthened with basically OT you can do at home with your child in a few minutes up to 20 minutes a day until progress is noted. I recommend looking into something like this. It would be helpful if she had a connections at home series- like a video of her lectures and exercises for those outside of Virginia but I am sure there are other resources. Good luck.
 
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