Dissertation

Retained Primitive Reflexes and Potential for Intervention in Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Melillo, Robert John

2024

Overview

We, in these proposed projects, have endeavored to understand better the importance of ‘retained’ primitive reflexes (RPRs) and examine the effect of RPRs in children, adolescents, and adults, as well as examine treatment alternatives based on the findings of the studies included in this dissertation.Melillo and colleaguesstudied a series of 2,175 children between and 3.2 and 22.04 years, applying a 12-week interventional program. Initial pre-intervention assessments were comprised of the functional assessment of sensory-motor and reflex function and on a separate day, academiccognitive examination. The reduction of primitive reflexes was found to be highly associated with increased performance in mathematical problem-solving and listening comprehension as measured by the components of the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test. Numerous studies have been performed over the past 30 years demonstrating the effects of RPRs on behavior and learning. Research has additionally demonstrated that individuals significantly reduce symptoms and effect change in diagnosis when participating in a protocol that focuses on specific reflexes.In previous work, we have argued that many aspects of these disorders are related to the presence of a functional disconnection syndrome. We have also demonstrated that this functional disconnection relates to a cortical maturational imbalance between networks. A delay in cortical maturation in certain networks we think may result in an increase in cortical maturation and development in other networks leading to a developmental asynchrony and an unevenness of functional skills and symptoms.In ADHD for instance, the underdevelopment of networks such as the dorsal attention network in the right hemisphere leads to an “attention deficit”. Overactivity and development in frontocortico-striatal networks in the left hemisphere can lead to hyperactivity and impulsivity.There has been reported an over-connectivity of short-range more immature connections and an under-connectivity of long-range more mature connectivities. We think that one of the best indicators for the existence of a maturational delay in the brain and nervous system are RPRs. With central nervous system maturation, primitive-reflex activity is suppressed during the second six months of life. A relationship between delayed suppression of primitive reflexes and delayed development of motor skills has been identified. When these retained primitive reflexes are also asymmetrically present, there is good evidence for us to hypothesize that this directly relates to maturational delays as opposed to maldevelopment in the relationship between-hemisphere network communication in what we term a functional disconnection syndrome.We realize of course that there exist numerous theories attempting to validly explain possible etiologies of ASD. It is beyond the scope of this proposal and at this point in the dissertation to delve into each in depth, especially considering that our focus is on the nature of network connectivities. Succinctly reviewing alternative theories, we can indicate and will expand upon them later but now note that they collectively they consist of: a) The signaling imbalance theory of autism arises from a hyper-excitable brain.

• Publisher: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
• Subject: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder / Brain research / Coding theory / Mathematical problems / Motor ability / Neurosciences
• ISBN: 9798290623849