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“I’ve been doing the Moro and FPR exercises for three months, but haven’t seen any positive results. Why?”
This is a common question we hear from parents, therapists, and caregivers working onprimitive reflex integration—especially with theMoro Reflex and Fear Paralysis Reflex (FPR).
In this episode, we break down what these two powerful reflexes are, how they impact emotional regulation and sensory processing, and thehidden reasons why you might not be seeing progress even after consistent reflex work. If you’ve been feeling frustrated or stuck in your reflex journey, this episode will give you clarity and next steps.
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If you’ve been working on reflex integration exercises for months and still aren’t seeing progress—especially with the fear paralysis reflex (FPR) and Moro reflex—you’re not alone. These two reflexes are often the most stubborn to integrate, and for good reason.
They are deeply tied to the nervous system's foundational responses to stress and safety. When they remain active past infancy, they can impact everything from anxiety and sensory sensitivity to sleep, immune function, and emotional regulation.
The fear paralysis reflex (FPR) develops early—around 5 to 8 weeks in utero—and should integratebefore birth. This reflex is the body’s earliest "freeze" response to perceived danger.
It’s designed to protect a developing fetus in times of maternal stress (such as an illness, injury, or trauma). In a healthy system, FPR integrates before or during birth, making way for the Moro reflex.
When FPR is retained, a child may:
Have high anxiety or freeze in new situations.
Be sensitive to noise, touch, or lights.
Struggle with transitions or changes in routine.
Exhibit rigid or avoidant behavior.
Have poor emotional resilience.
The Moro reflex emerges around birth (especially during the vaginal delivery process) and should integrate around 4–6 months of age. Known as the "startle reflex," it triggers when a baby experiences a sudden change in position, noise, or sensation.
The Moro response includes:
A full-body startle.
Arms and legs flailing out, then pulling in.
Crying to alert caregivers.
This is a survival reflex, helping infants signal for help. For healthy integration, the child needs to startle and then be comforted—signaling to the brain that the environment is safe.
If the Moro reflex is retained, children may:
Be in a constant state of fight-or-flight.
Startle easily and frequently.
Experience emotional outbursts or meltdowns.
Have sleep disturbances.
Show sensory sensitivities or immune-related challenges (e.g., asthma, allergies).
The fear paralysis and Moro reflexes form the foundation of a child’s early stress response system. If they remain active, they can block the successful integration of other primitive reflexes.
Here’s why they’re particularly difficult to integrate:
They’re tied to the child’s sense of safety. If a child doesn’t feel safe—in their environment or in their relationship with caregivers—the nervous system stays stuck in a survival state.
They involve the vagus nerve and parasympathetic regulation. This makes them more complex than reflexes related to posture or coordination.
Stress chemicals are chronically released. When the Moro reflex is retained, cortisol and adrenaline remain elevated, disrupting mood, attention, immunity, and digestion.
Bottom line: Exercises alone often aren’t enough.
If you've been consistently doing the right reflex integration exercises but progress is stalled, here are key factors to explore:
Children need to feel safe, secure, and connected in their environment. A strong caregiver-child bond is essential.
If the child doesn’t feel emotionally supported or regulated, the nervous system won’t shift out of survival mode.
OT Tip: Focus on co-regulation. Prioritize quality time, play-based bonding, and responsiveness to emotional cues. Therapists—coach parents on attachment strategies alongside reflex activities.
Current or past stressors (e.g., school anxiety, medical procedures, chaotic home environment) can keep the nervous system in a hypervigilant state.
OT Tip: Consider adding calming sensory strategies like deep pressure (e.g., Harkla’s weighted blankets or compression swings), nature time, or breathing exercises into your daily routine.
Sleep is crucial for neurological integration. Children who sleep poorly or breathe through their mouths may have disrupted vagus nerve function.
OT Tip: Assess your child’s sleep environment and breathing habits. Is their mouth open during sleep? Are they waking up tired? Consider an evaluation by a myofunctional therapist or sleep specialist.
Many children with retained reflexes havelimited diets, leading to micronutrient deficiencies that can impair brain development and regulation.
OT Tip: Support gut health and explore nutritional gaps—especially magnesium, zinc, B vitamins, and essential fatty acids. Working with a functional nutritionist or OT trained in feeding can be helpful.
Exposure to mold, heavy metals, or chemicals can inflame the nervous system and delay integration.
OT Tip: Take inventory of your environment. Consider air quality, water purity, and mold risks. Small changes (like HEPA filters or removing artificial fragrances) can help.
Screens limit movement and reduce natural sensory input. Children need real-world experiences to challenge their sensory systems.
OT Tip: Replace screen time with movement-based play—especially vestibular and proprioceptive activities. Use swings, climbing, crawling, or nature walks as your go-to daily therapy.
Outdoor time supports circadian rhythms, stress regulation, and vestibular input.
OT Tip: Get outside in the morning and evening light. Just 10–20 minutes a day can reset the nervous system.
Sometimes, the best way to support integration is to pause. If a child is resistant or dysregulated during reflex exercises, or you’re not seeing results after 8–12 weeks, try:
Switching to a different reflex for a few weeks.
Focusing on safety and regulation first.
Shifting from structured exercises to play-based movement.
Increasing connection and co-regulation with the child.
It’s easy to feel discouraged when a reflex just won’t integrate, but remember—every child’s journey is unique. These two reflexes (FPR and Moro) form the foundation for so much of a child’s behavior, regulation, and development.
When they do integrate, massive changes often follow. By addressing the whole child—their environment, relationships, movement, and nutrition—you create the conditions needed for healing and growth.
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 & art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views & opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties & 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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