#387 - Retained Primitive Reflexes: The Overlooked Cause of Struggles in the Classroom

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Retained Primitive Reflexes: The Overlooked Cause of Struggles in the Classroom

Teachers and therapists often see students struggling with focus, posture, handwriting, or behavior but the root cause might not be what you think. Retained primitive reflexes can have a huge impact in the classroom. 📚

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What primitive reflexes are and why they matter

• How retained reflexes show up in school settings
  

• Simple classroom strategies to support students
  

• Why movement breaks and alternative seating make a difference

If this episode was helpful, share it with a teacher or therapist who could use these strategies!

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The Reflex that Affects Reading and Organization

Retained Primitive Reflexes: The Overlooked Cause Of Struggles In The Classroom

As educators, you're tasked with helping children reach their highest potential. But what if some students are struggling, not because of a lack of motivation or ability, but because of something deeper—something rooted in early development? 

Research suggests that up to 75% of children entering school have at least one retained primitive reflex. These reflexes don’t necessarily affect intelligence, but they do affect the way a child interacts with their environment—often leading to avoidant behavior, meltdowns, or difficulty with seemingly basic tasks. 

The good news? When educators understand what to look for, they can create supportive environments that help every student thrive.

The Pyramid Of Learning Starts With Reflex Integration

Imagine asking a child to write a paragraph or solve a math problem, but their brain is still trying to figure out how to sit upright without slumping or how to move their eyes smoothly across the page. That's what happens when primitive reflexes remain active.

The Pyramid of Learning is a visual model that shows how higher-level academic skills rest on a foundation of sensory processing and reflex integration. If this foundation is shaky, students may struggle with focus, motor control, and emotional regulation.

What Are Primitive Reflexes?

Primitive reflexes are automatic movement patterns that develop in utero and during infancy. They help infants survive, grow, and achieve early milestones like rolling, crawling, and grasping. 

Over time, these reflexes should integrate (or fade away), allowing for more complex, intentional movements. When reflexes don’t integrate properly, they can become "retained" and interfere with motor coordination, sensory processing, and even cognitive tasks like reading and writing.

Here are a few commonly retained reflexes and how they might show up in the classroom:

• Moro Reflex (Startle Reflex): Heightened sensitivity to noise, light, or touch; high anxiety; frequent meltdowns.

• ATNR (Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex): Difficulty crossing midline, poor hand dominance, struggles with reading and writing.

• STNR (Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex): Poor posture, difficulty copying from the board, challenges with sports or bike riding.

• Spinal Galant Reflex: Constant fidgeting, trouble sitting still, possible bedwetting or delayed potty training.

• Palmar Reflex: Poor handwriting and grip strength; difficulty with fine motor tasks like buttoning or using scissors.

• TLR (Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex): Challenges with balance and coordination; slumping or lying on the desk during work time.

• Fear Paralysis Reflex: "Freeze" responses, extreme shyness, selective mutism.

Retained Reflexes Look Like Behavior Problems—But They're Not

Children with retained primitive reflexes are often labeled as "lazy," "defiant," or "unmotivated." In reality, many of these students understand their limitations and feel frustrated by their inability to perform tasks that seem easy for others. 

This can lead to:

• Avoidance.

• Meltdowns or shutdowns.

• Aggression (especially in non-verbal students).

• Inconsistent academic performance.

Recognizing that these behaviors may be rooted in reflex integration issues is the first step to helping students succeed.

Easy Strategies Teachers Can Implement Today

The good news? You don't need to be an occupational therapist to make a difference. Here are some simple, research-supported strategies you can use in your classroom:

1. Crawling Transitions

Encourage crawling between activities or during transitions. Crawling is a powerful integrative movement that supports coordination, posture, and reflex maturity.

2. Tummy Time For Big Kids

Allow students to lie on their stomachs while reading or working. This position engages core muscles and supports integration of the TLR and STNR reflexes.

3. Alternative Seating Options

Provide flexible seating like wobble cushions, therapy balls, or standing desks. Let children choose what helps them focus best.

4. Instructional Modifications

• Avoid rapid-fire verbal instructions.

• Provide written instructions at desk level.

• Use visual schedules and multimodal teaching techniques.

5. Voice-to-Text Support

Students with reflex-related writing challenges may benefit from voice-to-text software to express their thoughts more easily.

6. Sensory & Movement Breaks

Schedule short, frequent brain breaks that incorporate movement. Use Harkla’s Sensory Activity Cards for inspiration. Just 3-5 minutes can make a world of difference.

7. Observe During Floor Activities

Ask students to lie on their stomachs or crawl. Watch for those who avoid or compensate heavily—they might be struggling with retained reflexes.

When To Refer To Occupational Therapy

If a child continues to show signs of difficulty despite classroom strategies, it may be time to loop in your school-based occupational therapist. OTs can perform assessments and offer specific interventions to help with reflex integration.

You Are Making a Difference

Understanding retained primitive reflexes helps you see your students through a new lens—one filled with empathy, insight, and opportunity. Even small changes in your classroom routine can create major shifts in a child’s ability to focus, participate, and thrive.

Thank you for all you do. Your work matters.

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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