Fear Paralysis Reflex: Signs Every Pediatric Therapist Should Know

Have you ever worked with a child who seems extremely cautious, shuts down when something feels hard, or gives up before they even get started? There may be more going on than meets the eye. In this episode, we take a closer look at the Fear Paralysis Reflex (FPR), one of the lesser-known primitive reflexes that can have a significant impact on a child's development. We explain what the reflex is, why it serves an important purpose before birth, and what it can look like if it's retained beyond infancy. Together, we explore how a retained Fear Paralysis Reflex may contribute to challenges like anxiety, perfectionism, selective mutism, low self-esteem, emotional regulation, and an intense fear of making mistakes. We also share why it's so important to look beyond behavior, connect with the child in front of you, and remember that your therapeutic relationship is often more powerful than any activity you have planned. Whether you're a therapist, educator, or parent, this episode will help you better understand the nervous system and offer a more compassionate lens for supporting children who seem fearful, hesitant, or overwhelmed. 📚 Table of Contents 📚 00:00 Introduction 01:30 – Why the Fear Paralysis Reflex Matters 02:20 – What Is the Fear Paralysis Reflex? 04:00 – Signs of a Retained Fear Paralysis Reflex 05:35 – FPR, Moro Reflex & Vestibular Sensitivities 07:00 – Selective Mutism Through a Reflex Lens 10:30 – Shutdowns, Routine Changes & Functional Impact 12:40 – Supporting Fear Paralysis Reflex Integration 13:20 – Nervous System Regulation Starts With the Adult 14:20 – Connection Before Intervention 16:35 – Final Takeaway: Slow Down, Connect, and Rule It Out ============= 🔗 Links 🔗 We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 Harkla Digital Courses https://harkla.co/collections/courses ==== Get More Content From Us! 👩‍💻 Harkla https://harkla.co/ 📰 Hakla Blog https://harkla.co/blogs/special-needs 🎧 All Things Sensory Podcast by Harkla https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast 🤳 All Things Sensory Instagram   / allthingssensorypodcast   🤳 Harkla Instagram   / harkla_family   #occupationaltherapy #fearparalysisreflex #primitivereflexes #occupationaltherapy