Palmar Reflex
What is the Palmar Reflex and what does it do?
The Palmar grasp reflex (or grasp reflex) is a primitive and involuntary reflex found in infants of humans and most primates. When an object, such as an adult finger, is placed in an infant's palm, the infant's fingers reflexively grasp the object. The presence of this reflex indicates a typically developing nervous system.
The Palmar reflex emerges at around 11 weeks in utero and should only remain active until 3-6 months of age. This is around the same time that the infant begins to gain control over his/her hands and intentionally begins reaching for objects.
Typical behaviors that we see when dealing with an unintegrated (retained) Palmar Reflex:
· Sensitive palms
· Difficulty using the pincher grasp
· Poor manual dexterity
· Poor handwriting
· Makes mouth movements when writing or drawing
· Speech and articulation issues
· Hands in fist at rest
· Tight grasps on utensils