Relationship of Retained Primitive Reflexes and Handwriting Difficulty in Elementary-Age Children

Abstract

Abstract Date Presented 04/03/2022 OTs often address handwriting difficulties. Primitive reflex retention may interfere with handwriting development. In a cross-sectional study, we explored a possible relationship between reflex retention and handwriting difficulties among 74 children ages 7-9 years. We found that more children with handwriting difficulties had reflex retention, and reflex retention was associated with handwriting ability, after controlling for vision, implying a likely need to address reflex integration. Primary Author and Speaker: Lorie Richards Contributing Authors: Ryan Avery, Sarah Gray, Robin Price