Links to learn about the Moro Reflex:
Move Play Thrive: The Importance of Integrating Reflexes
Symptoms of a Non-Integrated Moro Reflex
Starfish Exercise
  • Place a sock or glove on the right hand and a sock on the right foot to allow the body to feel the two sides of the body
  • Make sure the child can move the arm and leg at the same time, in a controlled manner before doing the full exercise
  • Begin in the curled in the fetal position with the gloved/socked hand and foot on top
  • Slowly, with control, and while breathing in begin spreading the arms and legs out while tilting the head back
  • Make sure the head goes back only as far as it can without the heals lifting off the ground
  • While breathing out, slowly bring the arms and legs back in, this time with the non gloved hand and foot on top
  • One repetition = right hand/foot on top followed by left hand/foot on top
  • At least 3 repetitions should be done, but can do as many as 10 as long as the child is not distressed or fatigued
  • The exercises should be done for 30-40 days
Photo credit: Charlotte Davies with Fit 2 Learn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA7ExcwS-M0&t=5s
Legal Disclaimer: This site is intended to be used for educational purposes only and not a means of diagnosing or treating. Any advice given is not to be taken as therapy and/or treatment. Treatment should be under the discretion of a licensed professional, ideally with expertise in Selective Mutism - physician, psychologist, therapist, speech language pathologist, counselor, etc.