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The article "Evaluating Primitive Reflexes in Early Childhood as a Potential Biomarker for Developmental Disabilities" by Gerry Leisman and Robert Melillo, published in April 2025 in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, explores the role of retained primitive reflexes (RPRs) in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD).(pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
🧠 What Are Primitive Reflexes?
Primitive reflexes are automatic movements present in infants, originating from the brainstem, that typically integrate as the brain matures. Examples include the Moro (startle), rooting, and palmar grasp reflexes. If these reflexes persist beyond infancy, they are termed "retained primitive reflexes" (RPRs).(en.wikipedia.org, frontiersin.org)
🔍 Key Findings
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RPRs and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: The presence of RPRs is linked to conditions like ASD and other developmental disabilities. These retained reflexes may indicate delays in cortical maturation and functional connectivity within the brain. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
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Brain Connectivity Patterns: The study discusses how delayed maturation in certain neural networks can lead to overdevelopment in others, resulting in asynchronous development and inconsistent functional skills. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
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Motor and Cognitive Impairments: RPRs are associated with motor and cognitive challenges, suggesting that their inhibition could be a target for therapeutic interventions. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
🧪 Clinical Implications
Assessing RPRs in early childhood could serve as a non-invasive biomarker for identifying developmental disabilities. Early detection through RPR evaluation may facilitate timely interventions aimed at promoting cortical maturation and improving functional outcomes.
For more detailed information, you can access the full article here: (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
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