Reflexes are present in newborns and infants and serve a variety of purposes. Most reflexes integrate with age but can reappear with brain damage or under stress.
This page discusses some of the reflexes that are applicable to occupational therapy practice along with real-life videos of the reflexes being elicited. After reviewing the information on this page, use the free quiz at the bottom of the page to test your knowledge.
Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)
Believed to facilitate initation of hand dominance
Develops: around birth-2 months of age
Integrates: around 4-6 months of age
Testing: turn head to one side and observe flexion of limbs on scull side and extension of limbs on face side
Gag
Prevents choking
Develops: around 34 weeks gestational age
Integrates: does not integrate; remains throughout life
Testing: touch back of tongue or soft palate and observe for gagging
Moro
A startle reaction possibly for self protection
Develops: in utero
Integrates: around 5-6 months of age
Testing: allow head to drop backwards to simulate falling and observe for abduction and extension, then adduction and flexion of arms
Palmar Grasp
Allows for grasping of objects
Develops: in utero
Integrates: around 4-6 months of age
Testing: place finger in palm from ulnar side and observe for flexion of fingers to grasp
Phasic Bite
Allows for feeding after birth
Develops: in utero
Integrates: around 2-5 months of age
Testing: apply gentle pressure to gums and observe for rhythmic opening and closing of mouth
Rooting
Allows for location of food/nutrients
Develops: in utero
Integrates: about 3 months of age
Testing: gently stroke skin at corner of mouth and observe for turning of head towards stimulus
Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)
Allows for assuming position on all fours
Develops: around 4-10 months of age
Integrates: around 8-12 months of age
Testing: flex head of prone infant and observe for flexion of upper extremities and extension of lower extremities, extend head and observe for extension of upper extremities and flexion of lower extremities
Suck-Swallow
Allows for feeding after birth
Develops: around 28 weeks gestational age
Integrates: around 2-5 months of age
Testing: apply gentle downward pressure on tongue with finger and observe for rhythmic suckling
References and Further Reading:
Smidl, S. (2014). The newborn: Neuromotor development, reflexes, and postural reactions [PowerPoint].
Page last updated 10/25/2020