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FREE Primitive Reflex Checklist
In this episode, we dive deep into the connection between childhood anxiety and the retained Moro Reflex — and how both can impact children in the classroom. From understanding what anxiety looks like in a school setting, to uncovering the role of primitive reflexes, we’ll explore how to support children who struggle with heightened worry, reactivity, and sensory sensitivity.
A retained Moro reflex can mimic or worsen classroom anxiety. Kids may:
Overreact to sounds, lights, or unexpected touch
Struggle with transitions or changes in routine
Live in a constant state of fight-or-flight, making it harder to focus or socialize
Startle easily, avoid certain activities, or have ongoing challenges with attention
These signs may point to an underlying reflex that hasn’t fully integrated.
✨ Tune in to learn how understanding this mind-body connection can transform the way we support children in school and at home.
All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram
It's normal for children to feel anxious from time to time. But when anxiety becomes a daily struggle—interfering with learning, friendships, or everyday routines—it could signal something deeper.
Recurring stomachaches, emotional outbursts, or sensitivity to noise and change might not just be anxiety. These could be signs of a retained Moro reflex, a primitive reflex that, when not integrated, keeps a child’s nervous system stuck in survival mode.
Let’s explore how anxiety and the Moro reflex are connected—and what parents and professionals can do to help.
As they grow, children experience many emotions, including fear, worry, and nervousness. These are natural responses to unfamiliar or challenging situations.
But anxiety becomes a concern when it:
Prevents a child from attending school.
Triggers physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches.
Leads to avoidance of classroom activities or social situations.
Disrupts learning, play, or peer relationships.
If anxiety starts interfering with daily life, it’s time to dig deeper. One often-overlooked cause? A retained primitive reflex, specifically the Moro reflex.
The Moro reflex is an automatic “startle” response present at birth. When triggered by loud sounds, sudden movements, or a change in head position, infants fling their arms outward, then retract them—often followed by crying.
This reflex is the body's early warning system designed to alert caregivers to potential danger. Typically, the Moro reflex integrates (or disappears) by 4 to 6 months of age, but when it persists, it becomes a retained reflex—keeping the nervous system in a chronic state of “fight or flight.”
When the Moro reflex is retained, the child’s body responds to non-threatening situations as if they were emergencies. This chronic stress response can cause:
Difficulty with emotional self-regulation.
Heightened sensitivity to sound, light, and touch.
Avoidance behaviors or withdrawal.
Emotional outbursts that seem “out of nowhere”.
Persistent anxiety, especially in environments like classrooms.
Their nervous system is essentially saying, “You’re not safe,” even when there is no real threat.
If a child seems overly anxious in school, consider whether they show signs of a retained Moro reflex, such as:
Overreacting to loud noises, like fire drills or school bells.
Struggling with transitions, such as changing classes or routines.
Withdrawing from group activities or classroom discussions.
Frequent physical complaints (headaches, stomachaches) without a medical cause.
Extreme sensitivity to criticism, correction, or peer interactions.
Clingy behavior or refusal to separate from a caregiver.
Real-world example: One student covered his ears all day in anticipation of a fire drill—a clear demonstration of how deeply rooted these responses can be.
Supporting children with anxiety linked to retained reflexes requires both empathy and practical tools. Here’s how educators can help:
Design a safe space for students to self-regulate. Include sensory tools like:
Noise-canceling headphones.
Weighted lap pads.
Fidget items.
Visual timers.
Frame this as a positive resource—not a punishment.
Consistency reduces anxiety. Visual schedules help students understand what’s coming next, and you can pair this with social stories or pre-teaching about changes in routine.
Whenever possible, give advance notice of:
Fire drills.
Substitute teachers.
Schedule changes.
Use strategies like:
Countdown timers.
Calming scripts.
Deep breathing prompts.
Proprioceptive input calms the nervous system. Try:
“Heavy work” classroom jobs (moving books, pushing chairs).
Wall push-ups.
Jumping jacks or crawling.
These can be embedded throughout the day to promote regulation.
Make calming strategies part of the classroom culture. Try:
“Smell the flower, blow out the candle” breathing.
Class-wide breathing breaks after recess or before tests.
Parents and therapists can work together to support reflex integration outside the classroom.
Partner with an occupational therapist trained in primitive reflexes. Exercises like:
Starfish.
Popcorn.
Rhythmic Movement Training (RMT).
These activities target the Moro reflex specifically.
Daily “heavy work” helps regulate the nervous system. Examples:
Bear hugs.
Weighted blankets.
Animal walks or climbing.
Create a routine with a mix of calming and alerting activities to maintain regulation throughout the day—not just reactively.
A child can’t integrate reflexes or manage anxiety if they feel unsafe. Prioritize emotional connection and co-regulation.
Factors like poor sleep, nutrient deficiencies, or environmental stressors can exacerbate anxiety and delay reflex integration. A whole-child approach is essential.
Instead of labeling children as defiant, dramatic, or overly sensitive, pause and ask:Could their nervous system be stuck in survival mode?
When we approach anxiety with empathy—and a deeper understanding of nervous system function—we can:
Provide targeted, effective support.
Reduce shame for the child (and stress for caregivers).
Offer real tools for long-term change.
Every child deserves to feel safe in their body and confident in their environment. And every caregiver deserves tools that work.
You're doing the hard—and heart-filled—work of looking beneath behavior to understand what a child truly needs. Keep going.
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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