How Can Vision Therapy Help with Retained Primitive Reflexes

Primitive reflexes are automatic responses that develop in the womb and during the first year of life. These reflexes help infants survive and thrive in their early stages of development. However, in some cases, these reflexes may persist beyond their expected timeframe, a condition known as "retained primitive reflexes."
 

Retained primitive reflexes can have a significant impact on a child's overall development, including their visual and cognitive abilities. These persistent reflexes can interfere with the child's ability to focus, process visual information, and develop coordinated movements. Understanding the symptoms and effects of retained primitive reflexes is crucial in addressing these challenges and improving a child's well-being.
 

What are the Symptoms of Retained Primitive Reflexes?

Children with retained primitive reflexes may exhibit a variety of symptoms, including:
 

•        Difficulty with balance and coordination

•        Poor posture and muscle tone

•        Sensitivity to sensory input, such as touch, sound, or light

•        Challenges with fine motor skills, such as writing or using utensils

•        Struggles with attention, focus, and concentration

•        Difficulties with visual processing and eye-hand coordination

•        Behavioral issues, such as hyperactivity or emotional dysregulation
 

These symptoms can have a significant impact on a child's academic performance, social interactions, and overall quality of life.
 

The Impact of Retained Primitive Reflexes on Children's Vision

Retained primitive reflexes can have a direct impact on a child's visual development and function. The Moro reflex, for example, is a primitive reflex that triggers a startle response when the head is moved suddenly. This reflex can interfere with the child's ability to maintain stable eye movements, leading to difficulties with tracking, focusing, and visual-spatial awareness.
 

Additionally, the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) can impact a child's binocular vision, causing problems with eye teaming and depth perception. This reflex is triggered when the head is turned to one side, causing the arm on the same side to extend and the opposite arm to flex.
 

These visual challenges can make it difficult for children to read, write, and engage in other visual-based tasks, ultimately affecting their academic performance and overall development.
 

What is Vision Therapy?

Vision therapy is a specialized form of treatment that aims to address a wide range of visual and perceptual issues, including those related to retained primitive reflexes. This non-invasive approach involves a series of customized exercises and activities designed to retrain the visual system and improve visual-motor coordination.
 

Vision therapy is typically overseen by an optometrist or vision therapist, who works closely with the child and their family to develop a personalized treatment plan.
 

How Does Vision Therapy Work to Address Retained Primitive Reflexes?

Vision therapy for retained primitive reflexes focuses on several key areas. The primary goal of vision therapy is to help the child's brain "outgrow" or integrate the persistent primitive reflexes. This is achieved through a series of targeted exercises and activities that challenge the child's visual-motor skills and encourage the development of more mature neurological pathways.
 

Vision therapy helps improve the child's ability to coordinate their eye movements with their body movements. This can include activities that involve tracking, catching, and throwing objects, as well as exercises that challenge the child's balance and spatial awareness.
 

Vision therapy also addresses the child's ability to process and interpret visual information. This may involve activities that improve the child's visual-spatial skills, visual memory, and visual attention.
 

For children with retained primitive reflexes that impact binocular vision, such as the ATNR, vision therapy can help improve eye teaming, depth perception, and overall visual-spatial awareness.
 

By addressing these various aspects of visual development, vision therapy can help children with retained primitive reflexes overcome their challenges and improve their overall academic, social, and physical well-being.
 

Schedule a Consultation with Eye Therapy Vision Rehabilitation Center Today

Vision therapy is a highly effective and non-invasive approach to treating retained primitive reflexes. By integrating specialized exercises and activities that target the underlying neurological and visual-motor challenges, vision therapy can help children overcome their difficulties and develop the skills they need to thrive in all areas of their lives.
 

If your child is struggling with retained primitive reflexes and you believe vision therapy could help, schedule a consultation with Eye Therapy Vision Rehabilitation Center. We can assess your child's unique needs and develop a personalized treatment plan to address the underlying challenges and promote positive long-term outcomes. Visit our Lantern Lane location in Houston (713) 324-8889, Sealy office (281) 404-9191, Energy Corridor (281) 741-7295, or Pasadena, Texas (281) 445-2021 to book an appointment today.