When we think of a child’s brain development, we often focus on milestones like crawling, walking, or speaking. But beneath these outward achievements lies a fascinating and often overlooked foundation: the primitive reflexes. These innate movements, present even before birth, play a critical role in shaping how a child grows, learns, and interacts with the environment and other people.
What Are Primitive Reflexes?
Primitive reflexes are involuntary movement patterns that originate in the brain and are present before birth. Those reflexes help the baby with positioning in the womb, birthing, breathing,… Examples include the Moro reflex (startle response), ATNR (asymmetrical tonic neck reflex), or TLR (tonic labyrinthine reflex) to name a few. Each reflex serves a specific purpose, helping infants with survival while they haven’t gained full control of their body and laying the groundwork for motor coordination, posture, and sensory integration.
Normally, these reflexes are “integrated” or suppressed as the child’s brain matures—usually by the age of 1. However sometimes this process doesn’t occur fully, and retained reflexes can interfere with proper neurological development and after the child’s behavior and the way he/she interacts with other children.
Why Are They Important?
Retained primitive reflexes can lead to a variety of challenges that may not seem obviously connected. These include:
- Difficulty with balance and coordination
- Poor handwriting or fine motor control
- Struggles with reading, focus, or memory
- Sensory sensitivities (light, sound, touch)
- Behavioral and emotional regulation issues
- Even athletic performance limitations
In essence, retained reflexes can act like “roadblocks” in the brain, causing certain areas to overwork while others underperform. This often can get confused with other neurological disorders such as ADHD.
What can be done about it?
Through a combination of targeted movements, visual and balance training, and postural exercises, it is possible to help the nervous system mature in the way it was originally meant to. Think of it like finishing the brain’s developmental blueprint—clearing the path for better emotional control, academic success, and physical coordination.
If you suspect your child may be struggling with retained reflexes, or if you’re simply curious about how developmental movement can impact the brain, we invite you to reach out. Our team is passionate about helping children unlock their full potential—starting with the building blocks of the nervous system.
Contact us today to schedule an assessment or learn more about our integrative approach to pediatric development.
