Reflex Assessment Table

 

ARURA PAEDIATRIC THERAPY SERVICES

Reflex Assessment Table

Reflex

How to Assess

Expected Response

Reason for Assessment

Moro Reflex (Startle Reflex)

Gently drop the head backward or make a sudden loud noise.

Arms and legs spread out, and then quickly retract.

Indicates neurological function and sensory processing.

Rooting Reflex

Gently stroke the child’s cheek or corner of the mouth.

Head turns towards the stimulus and mouth opens.

Essential for feeding and early oral motor development.

Sucking Reflex

Place a finger or pacifier in the child’s mouth.

Sucking motion should occur.

Evaluates oral motor function and feeding skills.

Palmar Grasp Reflex

Place a finger in the child’s palm.

Child grasps the finger tightly.

Assesses hand function and grip strength.

Babinski Reflex

Stroke the sole of the foot from heel to toe.

Toes fan out and the big toe dorsi flexes.

Helps assess central nervous system pathways.

Tonic Neck Reflex (Fencing Reflex)

Turn the child’s head to one side while lying on their back.

Arm and leg on the side of the head turn extend; opposite side flexes.

Indicates neural development and muscle tone coordination.

Stepping Reflex

Hold the child upright with feet touching a flat surface and lean them forward.

Stepping motions with the legs should be observed.

Assesses early walking patterns and lower extremity development.

Righting Reactions

Tilt the child’s body to one side while sitting or lying down.

Child attempts to right their body to a vertical position.

Evaluates balance and spatial orientation development.

Equilibrium Reactions

Gently tilt or shift the child’s body while sitting or standing.

Child adjusts posture to maintain balance.

Assesses ability to maintain balance in response to external forces.

Protective Reactions

Gently push the child off balance while sitting or standing.

Arms or legs extend to prevent falling.

Evaluates self-protection and balance maintenance abilities.

 

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