The relationship between the persistence of early reflections and the severity of hyperactivity and autism in children

Neuromotor Immaturity is one of the childhood disorders that has been associated with behavioral disorders and its adverse effects can continue into adulthood. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between neuromotor immaturity with the severity of hyperactivity and autism in children.

The study included 388 children aged between eight to fifteen. The severity of autism and hyperactivity were assessed using the Conners Parents Questionnaire and Scale Questionnaire, Asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR), Symmetric tonic neck reflex (STNR), Labyrinthine reflex (TLR), and Moro reflex. In order to examine the relationship between neuromotor immaturity and hyperactivity as well as autism disorders, the linear correlation between variables was measured. Multiple regression analysis was used in order to investigate the effects of neuromotor immaturity on hyperactivity and autism disorders.

There was a significant association between the reflections of STNR, ATNR, and MORO tests with the symptoms of hyperactivity. Furthermore, STNR, Moro, and TLR responses were associated with the symptoms of autism.

The results suggest that the reflections sustainability measurement in the present study can be considered as a diagnostic approach for beneficial early interventions.