In this episode, Kokeb explains three closely linked reflexes that play a pivotal role in early development: the Palmar Grasp, Hands Pulling, and Babkin Reflexes. These hand-based reflexes aren’t just about grip strength—they are deeply connected to core development, coordination, feeding, speech, and even emotional regulation.
She discuess how stimulation of the palm can trigger reflexive responses in both the hands and the mouth—shedding light on why you might see children move their mouths when cutting with scissors or grasping objects. You'll learn how these reflexes form the foundation for fine motor skills and how their persistence can contribute to low tone, poor posture, challenges with handwriting, speech delays, and even feeding difficulties.
Kokeb clarifies how the Palmar Grasp reflex supports integration of the Moro reflex, how Hands Pulling fosters core strength and coordinated sit-ups, and how the Babkin Reflex influences oral motor development and hand-to-mouth exploration. You'll also get insights into how to test for these reflexes, recommended exercises to support integration, and why hand strength is essential for people of all ages—including adults over 60.
Whether you're a therapist, educator, or parent, this episode will equip you with practical ideas and a deeper understanding of how these reflexes support both motor and cognitive development. Be sure to check out the companion course and demo videos in the RITP app for more hands-on strategies.
In this episode, Kokeb explains three closely linked reflexes that play a pivotal role in early development: the Palmar Grasp, Hands Pulling, and Babkin Reflexes. These hand-based reflexes aren’t just about grip strength—they are deeply connected to core development, coordination, feeding, speech, and even emotional regulation.
She discuses how stimulation of the palm can trigger reflexive responses in both the hands and the mouth—shedding light on why you might see children move their mouths when cutting with scissors or grasping objects. You'll learn how these reflexes form the foundation for fine motor skills and how their persistence can contribute to low tone, poor posture, challenges with handwriting, speech delays, and even feeding difficulties.
Kokeb clarifies how the Palmar Grasp reflex supports integration of the Moro reflex, how Hands Pulling fosters core strength and coordinated sit-ups, and how the Babkin Reflex influences oral motor development and hand-to-mouth exploration. You'll also get insights into how to test for these reflexes, recommended exercises to support integration, and why hand strength is essential for people of all ages—including adults over 60.
Whether you're a therapist, educator, or parent, this episode will equip you with practical ideas and a deeper understanding of how these reflexes support both motor and cognitive development. Be sure to check out the companion course and demo videos in the RITP app for more hands-on strategies.
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