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Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology
The INPP Method
The Reflexes in More Detail
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What is Neuro-Developmental Delay?
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What is Neuro-Developmental Delay?
In order to understand the concept of Neuro-developmental delay as defined by INPP we need to consider the role of reflexes in development. ‘A primitive reflex’ is an automatic involuntary reaction which occurs in response to a specific stimulus. These develop whilst the baby is in the womb, are present at birth and should remain for a limited time afterwards. Primitive reflexes are important for early survival and the development of a sense of balance. The infant’s brain is programmed to carry out stereotyped movements both during the pregnancy and afterwards which gradually have the effect of inhibiting or integrating the primitive reflex reactions over the course of the babies first year. As the primitive reflexes become integrated they are gradually replaced by the ‘postural reflexes’ which are controlled from a higher part of the brain and normally remain with us throughout life. The integration of the primitive reflexes follows a particular developmental sequence gradually allowing us to have voluntary control over skilled and complex movements. Whilst the primitive reflexes should be inhibited by 6 -12 months at the latest, sometimes this does not happen and consequently they are partially or fully retained. As a result the postural reflexes cannot develop as well they should or are completely absent. When an INPP diagnostic assessment reveals a cluster of primitive reflexes their presence is taken as confirmation of the immaturity of the central nervous system and this is what is meant by the term ‘Neuro-Developmental Delay’. The presence of the abnormal reflexes indicates the omission of a stage in development which is often associated with difficulties in areas such as learning, behaviour and coordination.
Whilst the GP or Pediatrician examines the newborn baby to check for the presence of primitive reflexes it is unlikely that anyone will check later to ensure that they have gone as they should. Retained primitive reflexes and, as a result, under-developed or absent postural reflexes are associated with structural central nervous system weakness and the effects upon the organisation of the nervous system can be very profound involving many areas of functioning. Whilst individuals with certain conditions such as Cerebral Palsy are known to retain primitive reflexes their association with specific learning and other difficulties in the apparently “neuro-typical” child is not widely appreciated. The retention of specific reflexes are associated with certain symptoms such as, messy eating, a dislike of ball games or PE, anxiety, shyness, speech and language problems, awkward pencil grip, reading and writing difficulties. Others may lead to poor organization, difficulties with direction, sequencing tasks and learning to tell the time. There are many possible effects, often characteristic of the typically underachieving child, as well as many of those who have been labelled with learning disabilities such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia or ADD/ASD/Asperger’s Syndrome.
Whilst the GP or Pediatrician examines the newborn baby to check for the presence of primitive reflexes it is unlikely that anyone will check later to ensure that they have gone as they should. Retained primitive reflexes and, as a result, under-
