Integrating Primitive Reflexes

What does “retained” mean?

Sometimes, one or more of these reflexes do not fully switch off. When this happens, they can gently interfere with how a child moves, focuses, and copes with everyday demands.

This is called retained primitive reflexes.

Primitive Reflexes

What are primitive reflexes?

Primitive reflexes are automatic movements that babies are born with. They help babies survive and develop in the early months of life. As children grow and their brains mature, these reflexes usually fade away naturally.

Common retained reflexes and how they may affect children

Although this information is written for children, as an adult we can think about how we were at school and our struggles as we experience them now.

Moro Reflex (Startle)

Normally integrates 0-6 months

This reflex helps babies respond to sudden changes.

If retained, a child may:

Be very sensitive to noise or busy environments
Become anxious or easily overwhelmed
Have big emotional reactions

STNR – Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex

Normally Integrates 6-11 months

This reflex supports early crawling.

If retained, a child may:

Struggle to sit still at a table
Slouch or move constantly on their chair
Find it hard to copy from the board or focus on work

ATNR – Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex

Normally Integrates 0-6 months

This reflex links head movement with arm movement.

If retained, a child may:

Find handwriting hard or tiring
Reverse letters or struggle with reading flow
Find it difficult to use both sides of the body together

TLR – Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex

Normally Integrates 0-3 years

This reflex supports balance and posture.

If retained, a child may:

Seem clumsy or avoid physical activities
Tire easily when sitting or standing

Have poor balance or coordination

How retained reflexes can affect learning

In the classroom, retained reflexes may look like:

Fidgeting or constant movement
Slouching or leaning on furniture
Avoidance of writing tasks
Difficulty concentrating or staying seated
Emotional outbursts or shutdowns under stress

These behaviours are often neurological, not behavioural.

Screening and support

I offer a full screening service to observe if any of the primitive reflexes are retained. For children this will be carried out with a parent/guardian. A history will be taken of the child’s early year’s development (including pregnancy and birth details) and any struggles they have at home and in school.

I provide small group sessions in early years and primary school. Simple positions and movements can be incorporated into the normal school day for the whole class.

Intervention involves simple, structured movement activities carried out at home regularly over time.