In occupational therapy, primitive reflexes are automatic movements that are present at birth and typically integrate (fade away) as the child's brain matures during the first year of life. These reflexes are controlled by the brainstem and are necessary for survival and early development (e.g., feeding, protection, movement).
If you're looking for the Best Occupational Therapy Doctors in Lucknow or specifically searching for Occupational Therapy Near Me in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, understanding primitive reflexes is a key starting point in early intervention.

However, if these reflexes do not integrate properly, they can interfere with higher-level motor skills, attention, emotional regulation, and learning — particularly in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The Best Occupational Therapists in Lucknow often evaluate these reflexes to design personalized therapy plans.
What Are Primitive Reflexes?

Here are a few key primitive reflexes:

Reflex Name Function Expected Integration
Moro Reflex Startle response to sudden stimulus 4–6 months
Rooting Reflex Helps baby turn head toward food 3–4 months
Palmar Grasp Reflex Infant grasps objects in palm 5–6 months
Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)Helps hand-eye coordination 6 months
Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR) Develops muscle tone and balance 3 years
Spinal Galant Reflex Assists during birth and trunk rotation 3–9 months
Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) Prepares for crawling 9–11 months

Many of these reflex assessments and interventions are part of the therapies offered at the Best Occupational Therapy Clinics in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, where early intervention and personalized approaches are emphasized.
Why Are Primitive Reflexes Important in Child Development?

When properly integrated, these reflexes lay the groundwork for motor skills, such as crawling, walking, writing, and coordination. If retained beyond infancy:

• They can hinder focus and attention.
• Interfere with fine and gross motor skills.
• Affect sensory processing and emotional regulation.
• Lead to hyperactivity, clumsiness, or poor posture — often observed in children with ASD and ADHD.

That's why families looking for the Top Occupational Therapy in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow often rely on detailed developmental assessments and reflex-based strategies.

Activities to Support Primitive Reflex Integration and Development in ASD/ADHD Children
Here are reflex-based activities used by occupational therapists to help integrate retained reflexes.

These methods are widely recommended in the Best Occupational Therapy in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, especially for neurodivergent children.

1. Moro Reflex
• Starfish Exercise:
◦ Open arms and legs wide (like a startle), then hug self tightly.
◦ Repeat slowly with deep breathing.

2. ATNR (Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex)
• Lizard Crawls:
◦ Child crawls slowly on the belly with opposite arm and leg.
• Head-turn & Arm Reach:
◦ Turn head to one side and stretch out the arm, mimicking fencing pose.

3. STNR (Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex)
• Cat-Cow Pose (Yoga):
◦ On hands and knees, alternate arching and rounding the back.
• Rocking on All Fours:
◦ Rock forward and backward gently in tabletop position.

4. TLR (Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex)
• Superman Pose:
◦ Lie on stomach, lift arms, chest, and legs off the floor.
• Log Rolls:
◦ Roll on a mat while keeping the body straight.

5. Palmar Reflex
• Hand and Finger Exercises:
◦ Squeeze stress balls, crumple paper, string beads.
• Animal Walks:
◦ Bear walks or crab walks to strengthen hand and shoulder muscles.

6. Spinal Galant Reflex
• Snow Angel on Floor:
◦ Child lies on back and moves arms and legs out and in like snow angels.
• Side-bending Trunk Activities:
◦ Reach hand to foot on the same side.

Activities Tailored for ASD/ADHD Children

In addition to reflex-integration exercises, include these development-friendly activities:

Area Sample Activities
Sensory Regulation Swinging, deep pressure, brushing, weighted blankets
Attention & Focus Obstacle courses, balancing tasks, animal walks
Emotional Regulation Breathing exercises, visual timers, sensory bottles
Language & Social Skills Turn-taking games, social stories, picture-based communication
Motor Planning & Body awarenessClimbing, hopping, ball games, bilateral movement exercises
Eye and Hand coordination Ball catch and Throw, Target throwing, Peg/puzzles boards activities

Parents often report remarkable improvements when they engage with the Best Occupational Therapy Doctors in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow who specialize in neurodevelopmental approaches tailored for children with ASD or ADHD.
Conclusion

Primitive reflex integration is foundational in occupational therapy, especially for children with ASD and ADHD, where developmental delays or behavior challenges may stem from retained reflexes. A reflex-based therapy program, combined with sensory and behavioral approaches, supports better focus, coordination, and emotional stability.

If you're in search of Occupational Therapy in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, you’ll find that many top clinics focus on these essential foundations to help children reach their fullest potential.