If the palmar primitive reflex is present, it may be triggered when the palm is stroked. As a result, the fingers would close as if clasping whatever may be causing the input. Check out the primitive reflex post to learn more about the palmar reflex, when it is present, what its purpose is, and what you may see if the palmar primitive reflex is retained.
If you suspect that your kiddo has a retained palmar primitive reflex, perform activities that provide sensory input to the hands, and start incorporating fine motor strength and coordination activities. Not only can they help with reintegrating the reflex, improving fine motor skills will help to provide success in other areas of learning and development.
Make shapes on the hand
- Use a pen, your finger, a stylus, or a paint brush to draw shapes, numbers, or letters on the hand.
- Provide a firm input to the palm.
- Have them watch as you are tracing to give visual feedback if they are having difficulty
- Give them a picture or a model of what you are drawing on their hands for them to guess from.
- Have them guess without any visual supports for increased difficulty.
- Have them work to keep their fingers from flexing forward or closing.
- For kids that know how to spell or are working on it, spell words out 1 letter at a time on their palm.
- Don’t forget to provide the input to both hands.
The Squishy Toy Squeeze
- Work the flexors of the hand to squeeze a toy or stress ball.
- Squeeze 5x with all fingers then transition to oppose each finger to the thumb.
- Perform this 2-3x per day for each hand.
- Work to bend/flex the tips of the fingers when squeezing to engage the length of the finger flexor muscles.
Sensory bins
- When it comes to palmar reflex integration activities, input to the hands are important. Put together sensory bins with different medium. Use scoops, cups, tongs, funnels, etc. to work on functional hand strength and coordination while providing various sensory input.
Dry rice bin
Bean bin
Other benefits
- It can be a good regulation activity.
- It can help with tactile defensiveness.
- Functional hand skills can be developed by scooping, pouring, picking, and manipulating items and tools.
- Sorting skills can be worked on.
Don’t forget activities such as bear walks and crawls where input is provided through the hands and upper body. Climbing is another good one! When thinking about palmar reflex integration, think about fine motor strength, sensory input, and weight bearing through the hands. Even if the palmar reflex has been integrated, performing such activities are still beneficial helping in many other areas such as fine motor development, sensory regulation, and core strengthening. But for palmar reflex integration, remember, use the hands, be creative, and have fun!
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