The Diagnostic Deep Dive: The New Genetic Technologies Providing Answers

It’s a clinical test that seems diabolically designed to drive anxious parents over the edge: holding the newborn carefully, the examining pediatrician executes a sudden arm movement that, for a split second, allows the baby to drop down a bit before being securely caught again. Most infants will respond by flinging their arms out to the side. Some will start to cry. But despite the momentary discomfort, this startle—also known as the Moro reflex—is good news. It demonstrates that the baby’s brain and nervous system are developing normally.