Zoey Goes to the Park: Integrating the Moro Reflex
Category: Written Work
Author(s): Chloe Olson
Presenter(s): Chloe Olson
Mentors(s): Katherine Gerst
Primitive reflexes are involuntary responses that come from the brainstem as a reaction to specific stimuli that develop even before birth. As a child grows up, these reflexes should disappear or mature and integrate into different reflexes. If they do not, the unintegrated reflexes can cause a range of motor, emotional, social, and/or learning related issues. One of the first primitive reflexes to develop is the Moro reflex, and this reflex then typically integrates by 4-6 months old. However, for many children this does not always happen. To treat this, there are many occupational therapy exercises that can target the reflex and promote integration. This is what inspired the creation of the children’s book, Zoey Goes to the Park: Integrating the Moro Reflex. This book encourages children to imitate movements of different animals. These animal movements are also exercises that help integrate the Moro reflex. The book allows for children to get involved and have fun while also benefiting their development. It also gives parents the opportunity to get involved in the process as well, as this book can be used as a tool to continue work outside of occupational therapy sessions.