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Primitive Reflexes in Children
Primitive reflexes are automatic movement patterns babies are born with that support early survival and development. As the brain and nervous system mature, most of these reflexes become integrated during infancy, allowing more controlled, purposeful movements to develop. When a reflex remains active beyond the expected stage, it is known as a retained primitive reflex and may be worth exploring when a child experiences developmental challenges.
Primitive reflexes are one piece of the developmental puzzle. In some children, ongoing reflex activity may contribute to difficulties with balance, coordination, handwriting, posture, body awareness or emotional regulation. Through my work, I assess reflex patterns alongside other developmental skills to better understand the challenges a child is experiencing. Using targeted, movement-based activities, I aim to support the underlying foundations children need for learning, emotional regulation and everyday independence.
Have you ever wondered whether your child’s struggles could be linked to their underlying developmental foundations?
Let’s explore what might be contributing to their challenges and identify the right support. Get in touch to book an appointment.
Primitive Reflex Integration Practitioner · Brain Gym® Consultant · Qualified primary school teacher · Mum of three
I’m Michele, a Primitive Reflex Integration Practitioner and Brain Gym® Consultant in Perth. This page explains what primitive reflexes are, the signs of retained reflexes to look for, and how integration works.
What are primitive reflexes?
Primitive reflexes are involuntary, automatic responses that develop in the womb and the newborn period. They are controlled by the brainstem, so there is no conscious thought involved. They exist for survival and development in the early months: they help a baby move through birth, feed, grasp and begin to move.
As the brain matures, these reflexes are meant to integrate in sequence, most of them by around 4 to 6 months, making way for the more mature, controlled movements we use for the rest of our lives.
What is a retained primitive reflex?
Under stress, that sequence can be interrupted and a reflex can be “retained”. Possible reasons include birth method (for example caesarean compared with vaginal delivery), trauma, illness, exposure to toxins, anaesthetics and medications. None of these automatically causes a retained reflex, but they are possible contributors.
When a reflex is retained, the body keeps reacting automatically in situations where a child needs calm, controlled movement, and that can make everyday things like sitting still, writing or catching a ball harder than they should be.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Signs of retained primitive reflexes
Every child is different, but these are some of the signs I commonly see:
W sitting, poor posture or low muscle tone
Poor balance and coordination, or motion sickness
Difficulty with fine motor skills, handwriting or hand-eye coordination
Problems with reading and maths
Attention and concentration difficulties, or hyperactivity
Hypersensitivity to noise, touch, light or other senses
Speech and articulation problems
Thumb sucking, or sloppy and messy eating
Hyper-mobile joints and weak muscles
Delayed motor development
Seeing one or two of these does not mean something is wrong. If several sound familiar, an assessment can show whether retained reflexes are part of the picture.
The retained reflexes most often involved
Moro reflex: the startle reflex. When it is retained, children can be easily overwhelmed, anxious or sensitive to noise and light. The nervous system plays an important role in how children process sensory information, respond to stress and regulate their emotions.
ATNR (asymmetrical tonic neck reflex): turning the head moves the arm on that side. Retained, it can make handwriting, reading and crossing the midline harder.
STNR (symmetrical tonic neck reflex): links the head with the upper and lower body. Retained, it is often linked with W sitting, slumped posture and difficulty sitting still at a desk.
Spinal galant reflex: triggered by touch along the lower back. Retained, it is associated with fidgeting and bedwetting. If this reflex remains active, it may contribute to difficulties with body awareness and sensory processing.
Palmar reflex: the grasp reflex. Retained, it can affect fine motor skills and pencil grip. As children grow, they need to develop the ability to open and close their hands independently, isolate finger movements and coordinate their hands for everyday tasks.
TLR (tonic labyrinthine reflex): linked to balance and muscle tone. General challenges I see with an unintegrated TLR include a poor sense of balance, a tendency to motion sickness and toe walking.
How primitive reflex integration works
Integration uses specific, gentle movements that recreate the developmental patterns a baby would normally move through. Repeating them gives the brain a second chance to complete the job, building better connections between the brain and the body.
Assessment. In an initial appointment (60 to 90 minutes) I assess which reflexes are still active, along with brain and body organisation and side dominance.
A plan. Together we build an individual program of exercises.
Weekly sessions and home play. Short sessions of movement and play, with simple exercises to practise at home in between.
Re-assessment. A 5 week check shows which reflexes have integrated and what to focus on next.
Positive results are usually seen after 5 or 6 weeks, and sooner when the home play is done regularly. Clients usually see me for 6 to 8 weeks on average, depending on what we are working on, and around 10 to 12 weeks for children with a diagnosis where we are working on more complex symptoms. I often combine reflex integration with Brain Gym®, which uses simple movements to help both sides of the brain work together.
Is there research behind it?
Yes. Primitive reflex integration exercises have been studied for their effect on childhood motor and neurological patterns. You can read the papers I refer to on my research page.
QUESTIONS
Common questions
When do primitive reflexes integrate?
Most are meant to integrate in sequence by around 4 to 6 months as the brain matures. The STNR comes later and is usually integrated by around 9 to 11 months, once a baby is crawling well.
Can older children and adults have retained primitive reflexes?
My focus is children, but the same movements can also help teenagers and adults living with stress. Feel free to ask.
Primitive reflex integration in Perth
I see children face to face in my home office in Perth, which creates a safe and comfortable environment, and I also offer online appointments. You can see the full process and prices on my services page, or get in touch for a free phone chat about what you are noticing in your child.
Not sure where to start?
You are welcome to get in touch for a free phone chat about what you are noticing in your child.