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In this episode, Rachel and Jessica will introduce you to primitive reflexes. They will share general information regarding what they are, why we have them, and what happens if our bodies don’t integrate them properly. They will also briefly discuss activities that can be completed in order to work on integrating some of the different primitive reflexes in order to increase overall sensory integration.
Primitive reflexes are essential, involuntary movement patterns that originate in the brainstem and help infants survive and grow during early development. These reflexes are present at birth and serve critical functions like feeding, protection, and initial movement coordination.
However, as a child grows and higher-level brain functions mature, these reflexes should integrate, or fade away, making room for more advanced motor skills. When primitive reflexes don’t integrate as expected, they can become retained.
Retained reflexes may interfere with a child’s ability to focus, move efficiently, self-regulate, and learn. Understanding and addressing these reflexes is a vital part of supporting children with sensory processing challenges, ADHD, autism, or developmental delays.
Most primitive reflexes begin integrating within the first year of life. For example:
Moro Reflex: 2-4 months.
ATNR (Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex): 4-6 months.
TLR (Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex): By 3.5 years.
Spinal Galant Reflex: 3-9 months.
STNR (Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex): 9-11 months.
If these reflexes remain active past their typical integration timeline, they may contribute to challenges in motor coordination, behavior, and learning.
Several factors may contribute to the retention of primitive reflexes, including:
Traumatic birth or C-section delivery.
Limited tummy time.
Skipping developmental milestones like crawling.
Prolonged use of baby equipment (e.g., swings, bouncers).
Early walking before crawling.
Chronic ear infections.
Neurological trauma (e.g., concussion).
Exposure to environmental toxins.
Recognizing these risk factors allows parents and professionals to be proactive in early intervention.
This reflex helps infants respond to sudden stimuli. When retained, it may result in:
Hypersensitivity to sensory input (light, sound, touch).
Heightened anxiety and fight-or-flight response.
Emotional outbursts or poor emotional regulation.
Difficulty focusing or filtering stimuli.
Sleep disturbances or poor immune function.
Evident when a baby turns their head, causing the limbs on one side to extend and the other side to flex. If retained, children may struggle with:
Crossing midline (e.g., reading, writing).
Hand-eye coordination.
Poor handwriting.
Difficulty following directions or expressing ideas in writing.
Scoliosis or asymmetric posture.
Triggered by head position in space, influencing whole-body tone. Retention may cause:
Poor posture.
Balance and coordination challenges.
Difficulty sitting still or focusing.
Motion sickness.
Challenges with spatial awareness and motor planning.
Activated by stroking the back near the spine, this reflex helps with movement during birth. Retained reflex symptoms include:
Constant fidgeting or difficulty sitting still.
Bedwetting beyond age 5.
Poor posture and concentration.
Discomfort with clothing (tags, waistbands).
Scoliosis or hip rotation while walking.
Helps transition from lying to crawling. When active beyond the typical age, it can lead to:
Poor posture and slumping.
Difficulty with visual tracking.
Messy eating or poor hand-eye coordination.
Challenges with swimming or other bilateral coordination activities.
If you suspect your child has retained reflexes, consult with an occupational therapist experienced in reflex integration. Early identification and intervention can greatly improve outcomes.
An OT may develop a customized home exercise program targeting specific reflexes. These movements are repeated regularly to encourage proper integration.
Consistency is key. Even just a few minutes a day can lead to meaningful improvements over time. Here are some practical, fun ways to help children integrate reflexesat home::
Tummy Time: Especially for younger children.
Crawling Games: Bear crawls, army crawls, obstacle courses.
Core-Strengthening Exercises: Superman pose, yoga, wheelbarrow walks.
Hand-Eye Coordination Games: Bop It, Infinite Loop Track, Loopz.
Outdoor Play: Climbing, biking, playing catch, or foursquare.
These activities not only support reflex integration but also promote overall sensory and motor development.
Retained primitive reflexes are more common than many people realize. They don’t indicate failure on the part of the child or parent—instead, they offer a clue into what might be going on beneath the surface.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
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This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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