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We’re diving deep into the connection between retained primitive reflexes and autism. You'll learn what these reflexes are, why they might stick around longer in autistic children, and how they can impact sensory processing, motor skills, and emotional regulation.
We break down five key reflexes — the Moro, ATNR, STNR, TLR, and Spinal Galant — with signs of retention and how they affect daily life.
Plus, we answer a listener question about PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) and how reflex integration plays a role.
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When we think about early development, primitive reflexes play a critical role. These involuntary movement patterns help babies survive, grow, and reach developmental milestones.
But what happens when these reflexesdon’t integrate as expected? Increasing research—and real-world observation—show that retained primitive reflexes are common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and understanding this link can be life-changing for both parents and professionals.
Primitive reflexes are automatic movements originating in the brainstem that emerge in utero and infancy. They serve survival and developmental purposes like initiating breastfeeding, grasping, and movement coordination.
Normally, these reflexes “integrate” within the first year of life, meaning the brain matures and takes over more complex motor control. When reflexes areretained, they continue influencing behavior and body responses in ways that are often unhelpful, especially for children with neurodevelopmental differences.
Think of these reflexes like outdated software that needs to be uninstalled for the brain to upgrade its systems.
Retained primitive reflexes and autism frequently coexist due to overlapping neurological patterns. Children with ASD often experience:
Sensory processing challenges.
Motor coordination difficulties.
Atypical muscle tone (often low, but can be high).
Heightened states of stress or fight-or-flight.
Delays or differences in reaching milestones like crawling or walking.
These factors can interrupt the natural integration of reflexes and perpetuate a cycle of dysregulation.
Purpose: Alerts the baby to danger and signals for help.
Integration Age: ~6 months.
Signs of Retention:
Chronic fight-or-flight behavior.
Sensory sensitivities.
Sleep disturbances.
Anxiety and poor attention.
Difficulty forming deep emotional connections.
"The brain is constantly on edge—like a smoke alarm that won’t turn off."
Purpose: Assists with hand-eye coordination and crossing midline.
Integration Age: ~6 months.
Signs of Retention:
Difficulty with handwriting and reading.
Trouble crossing midline.
Poor coordination between the left and right sides.
Head turning triggers unwanted limb movements.
Purpose: Prepares the body for crawling.
Integration Age: ~9-11 months.
Signs of Retention:
Trouble sitting still (often misdiagnosed as ADHD).
Poor posture.
Awkward crawl or bottom scooting.
Difficulty copying from the board at school.
Overreliance on head movement to guide body actions.
Purpose: Develops muscle tone and postural control.
Integration Age: ~3 years.
Signs of Retention:
Poor balance and coordination.
Low muscle tone.
Fatigue during seated tasks.
Difficulty with time awareness and organization.
Purpose: Aids in the birth process and early spinal movement.
Integration Age: ~6-9 months.
Signs of Retention:
Constant fidgeting.
Trouble sitting still in a chair.
Bedwetting beyond age 5.
High sensitivity to clothing (especially waistbands).
It’s essential to understand that:
Not all autistic children have retained reflexes.
Not all children with retained reflexes are autistic.
Reflex integration is not a cure for autism, but it canalleviate many secondary challenges (anxiety, poor coordination, sleep issues).
Seek an evaluation from an occupational therapist trained in reflex integration.
Explore Harkla’s parent-friendly digital course on primitive reflexes.
Create a sensory-friendly environment at home with tools like:
Harkla’s sensory swings.
Weighted blankets for calming the nervous system.
Body socks for proprioceptive feedback.
Look for play-based movement activities that feel fun but are doing powerful neurological work behind the scenes.
Invest in training on primitive reflex integration (e.g., PESI, Sensational Brain, Harkla).
Use reflex testing as part of your evaluation process.
Integrate reflex work into sensory diets and motor skill interventions.
Document behavioral improvements alongside reflex integration progress.
A listener's question raised PDA—a subtype of autism characterized by extreme anxiety and resistance to everyday demands. TheMoro reflex andFear Paralysis Reflex (another often-overlooked primitive reflex) may be worth evaluating in these cases due to their connection with chronic fight-or-flight responses.
Understanding and addressing retained primitive reflexes is just one piece of the puzzle—but it's a powerful one. Whether you're a parent or a professional, building awareness of these early movement patterns can unlock new strategies for supporting emotional regulation, motor coordination, and overall developmental growth.
Let’s normalize the conversation around reflex integration—it’s science-backed, practical, and deeply empowering.
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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