A quick search of "primitive reflexes" turns up a number of journal-published studies indexed at the U.S. National Institute of Health. While more research is needed, there is plenty of evidence that scientists are noticing a trend and are specifically investigating the connection between learning differences and these reflexes:
Persisting primitive reflexes in medication-naïve girls with attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3788695/Adults with sensorimotor disorders: enhanced physiological and psychological development following specific sensorimotor training
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3788695/Increased whole-body auditory startle reflex and autonomic reactivity in children with anxiety disorders
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2702449/Motor Function in School-Aged Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Korea
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4124178/#B18...I agree that medical decisions are personal, but also know they're best made when based on sound information. This helps avoid interventions that are useless or potentially harmful (e.g. seaweed-and-the-thyroid and anti-vax stances). It also helps you get to the right treatment with minimal delay.... I also know that the research community doesn't have all the answers, even when there is a diagnosis. But the thing is that, it's the best we have right now.
It's a giant leap from anything that I've posted previously to the suggestion that I don't use "sound information" in making decisions. "Sound information" can come from multiple directions--including personal experience and the experiences of other (parents and professional OT, VT and others). Scientific evidence (of which a limited amount does exist on this topic) adds validity by documenting whether personal experiences apply more universally. Given the variability of research interests and funding, however, the amount of available scientific research is not my only criteria for decision-making. Nor is how widespread an intervention is known within the primary medical structure. The kids' pediatricians, for example, have been absolutely no help with any of my son's issues over the years. If we hadn't made decisions based on our own layman's research and personal experience, then my son would not have made the tremendous growth that he has made.
