Abstract:

This study forms part of my PhD research. For my thesis I am examining the connection between learning skills and persistent baby reflexes, and how movement exercises can improve children’s cognitive skills.

“The method I research is characterized by the fact that it includes the integration of all of the infant reflexes that have an impact on certain learning abilities. It considers the rate of immaturity, the load capacity resulting from the age and the physical condition of the child. In terms of didactic and training theory aspects, the program is based on the principle of gradualism and adaptivity. It is fundamental that it follows the major stages of the ontogenesis of the child.” (Sarlos, 2018)

Many children suffer from various problems. Some underperform in multiple school subjects, below the level expected of them at their level of intelligence. Some are “clumsy”, bite their nails, experience anxiety, keep rocking on their chairs, or occasionally still wet their beds around the age of 6. There are of course other symptoms besides those mentioned above that occur in children participating in state education, making not just school but also their everyday life more difficult.

My thesis study examines what percentage of baby reflexes are persistent among 4- to 8-year-old children. The study includes 865 children (441 boys, 424 girls) aged between 4 and 8 years who attend kindergarten or primary school. They are from all over Hungary including the capital city. The children were divided into three groups: research, placebo and control group.

The tests used in the study check seven baby reflexes, the state of vestibular system, seriality, multichannel attention and short-term memory.

The reflexes tested are: Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex, Moro reflex, Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex, palmar-sucking reflex, Galant reflex, Tonic Labyrinth Reflex (forward), Tonic Labyrinth Reflex (backward). These reflexes effect learning skills.

In this presentation, I will present the result of the input test which will be compared with the test results of the children after 8-month long sensorimotor training.

Keywords:

Learning skills, persistant baby reflexes, vestibular system, clumsy child symndrome.