Moro Reflex

The Moro Reflex is an extension of the Fear Paralysis Reflex and if the Fear Paralysis Reflex is not integrated, the Moro Reflex will not integrate either. The Moro Reflex is an involuntary response to a threat.

• During normal childhood development, this reflex is present at 9 - 12 weeks in utero. It is also present at birth and is normally integrated at age 2 - 4 months.
• It is a survival mechanism, and it is the earliest form of the ‘fight or flight’ response.
• This reflex is elicited by sudden changes in position, or by sudden noise or light.
• The child with a retained Moro Reflex is always ‘on alert’ and in a heightened state of awareness, which stimulates the production of stress hormones -- adrenaline and cortisol.

These children:

• tend to isolate themselves, be fearful, and have issues showing affection and socialization
• may be easily excitable, aggressive, and have difficulty reading others’ body language
• may frequently get sick, and have allergies and sensitivities to foods and food additives, because adrenaline and cortisol are involved with immunity and allergies
• may possibly burn sugar more easily

Symptoms of a Retained Moro Reflex

• Problems with Vestibular System
• Motion sickness
• Poor coordination
• Poor balance
• Heightened awareness, in a ‘fight or flight’ state
• Tense muscle tone
• Exaggerated startle reaction
• Anxiety
• Either excessive withdrawal from others or excessive aggression toward others
• Be timid
• Dislike of changes or surprises
• Poor learning skills
• Low self-esteem
• Emotional instabilitv and sensitivitv
• Hyperactivity
• Mood swings
• Problems with vision
• Eye movement and visual perception problems
• Difficulty ignoring irrelevant material in the visual field
• Difficulty with black print on white background
• Light sensitivity
• Tires easily under fluorescent lights
• Hypersensitivity to auditory or visual stimuli
• Poor auditory discrimination/ difficulty ignoring background noise
• Excessive release of stress hormones
• Weak adrenals leading to allergies and frequent infections
• Low energy
• Have conditions related to low immunity, such as asthma, eczema, frequent ear, nose and throat infections
• Adverse drug reactions
• Biochemical and nutritional imbalances