Why a Retained Spinal Galant Reflex is Mistaken for ADHD

By: Integrated Learning Strategies

Some children who display symptoms of ADHD could actually have a retained primitive reflex from birth. Primitive reflexes are present at birth and happen automatically in response to stimuli in the baby. Research shows strong link between primitive reflexes and ADHD, particularly with the Spinal Galant Reflex and Moro Reflex.

What is the Spinal Galant Reflex The Spinal Galant Reflex encourages movement and development of range of motion in the hips. In a newborn, stroking just to the side of the spine on the lower back initiates a side flexion in the baby's hip. The reflex usually integrates or disappears in normal development by 12 months.

Children with Spinal Galant Reflex often mistaken for ADHD. Researchers speculate that the hallmark symptoms of ADHD could be directly attributed to a retained response in the child. Treatment can change the direction of treatment from traditional medication to retraining the brain, says Dr Simon Tisdale.

How is the Spinal Galant Reflex often mistaken for ADHD?

STEP 1 Have your child or student get down on their hands and knees. Make sure their arms and back are completely straight. Their back should be flat like a table top.

What How to test your child for the Spinal Galant Reflexit?

STEP 2 Take a marker or sharpie and gently trace it down the left side of your child’s spine (from the top of the neck, down to their lower back). Repeat exercise on the right side of the child’s spine.

What How to test your child for the Spinal Galant Reflexit?

STEP 3 Notice the reaction of the child.  If they display any types of discomfort, ticklish parts or dipping of their back the closer you got to the lower back, it is a sign of a retained primitive reflex.

What How to test your child for the Spinal Galant Reflexit?

STEP 4 If your child had any of the reactions listed above, ask them questions like “How ticklish was it?” “On a scale from 1 to 10, how badly did it hurt?”

What How to test your child for the Spinal Galant Reflexit?

Swipe up to read the full article!