Testing for a Persistent MORO reflex (Moro Test, Crossover Balancing, Pigeon/Duck Walk)

The Moro reflex is a Primitive Reflex that becomes apparent after birth and is expected to be inhibited by 6 months of age. It is a multisensory reflex that can be triggered in infants by sound, light, touch and changes in position. Furthermore, it is involved in a process known as "physiological arousal" - a stimulation of the sympathetic division of our autonomic nervous system. This is a part of our survival mechanism of "fight/flight". Typically, this reflex is inhibited, or kept off, by the development of our brain.

If we do not properly inhibit this reflex, we may see indications coming through in the form of sensory integration difficulty, autonomic dysregulation, or even indications of improper brain development/developmental delay.

Persistence of this reflex beyond 6 months of age may be associated with:

- Hypersensitivity or over-reactive to various stimuli (loud noises, sudden flashes, sudden acceleration in the car)
- Problems with balance
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headaches
- Insecurity
- Generalised anxiety

In order to test for a persistence of this primitive reflex, we want to attempt to replicate the head drop maneouvre done in infancy while asking the child to bring their arms up and across the body. If you are uncertain with the results of this test, the Crossover Balance test as well as the Duck/Pigeon Walk may be more obvious in result, but may need further assessment as other factors may cause a positive finding.

It is important to note that this reflex is associated with particular behaviours, but is not a cause of these behaviours.