Parents often notice small automatic movements in their babies long before the first words or steps. Turning toward a touch on the cheek, gripping a finger tightly, or arching the back when the lower spine is stroked—these are primitive reflexes. They support early feeding, bonding, and basic survival before the thinking brain matures.
These reflexes are meant to disappear as the brain develops. When they stay active, they’re called retained reflexes, and they can influence behaviour, motor skills, learning, and sensory processing in ways that often go unnoticed.
Why Retained Reflexes Matter
Retained reflexes don’t always show up as big red flags. Often, they appear as small everyday challenges: → Difficulty sitting still → Messy handwriting → Emotional overwhelm → Clumsiness or poor balance → Slow work pace → Trouble with reading and tracking
Understanding these reflexes helps parents see the connection between early development and current behaviours.
Key Primitive Reflexes Parents Should Know
→Moro Reflex
When this reflex stays active, children may be easily startled, highly sensitive to sound or touch, or overwhelmed in busy spaces.
→ATNR (Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex)
A retained ATNR affects left-right coordination. Children may struggle with handwriting, crossing midline, or reading smoothly.
→STNR (Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex)
This reflex influences posture and movement. Retention shows up as fidgeting, slumping, or difficulty copying from the board.
→Palmar Reflex
If this reflex remains, it can interfere with pencil grip, fine motor control, and tasks like buttons or zippers.
→TLR (Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex)
This reflex affects balance and body awareness. Clumsiness and difficulty with gross motor tasks are common signs of retention.
→Spinal Galant Reflex
A retained Spinal Galant often leads to constant wiggling, discomfort with waistbands, or bedwetting beyond typical ages.
→Rooting Reflex
If this reflex lingers, parents may notice messy eating, drooling, or discomfort with mouth textures. It may also affect speech clarity due to reduced lip and cheek coordination.
How Retained Reflexes Show Up in Everyday Life
→Motor Skills
Children may write slowly, tire easily, or struggle with balance and coordination. Tasks like catching a ball or riding a bike feel harder.
→Learning
Some children mix up left and right, lose their place when reading, or find copying from the board challenging.
→Sensory Processing
Overreacting to sounds, avoiding messy play, or feeling overwhelmed in busy rooms can all be connected to retained reflexes.
→Emotional Regulation
Quick frustration, impulsivity, or difficulty calming down are common when the nervous system is still responding automatically.
→Daily Routines
Mealtimes may be messy, clothing uncomfortable, and classroom posture tiring. None of these behaviours are intentional—they’re developmental patterns.
How Occupational Therapy Helps
→Assessment
An occupational therapist trained in sensory integration can identify which reflexes are still active and how they influence daily life.
→Movement-Based Support
Therapy often includes crawling games, rolling, climbing, balance work, and animal walks. These movements help create stronger brain-body connections and support reflex integration naturally.
→Emotional Support
Children with retained reflexes aren’t trying to be difficult. Their bodies are reacting automatically. Understanding this helps parents respond with more empathy and gives children the space to thrive.
Final Thoughts for Parents
Primitive reflexes are a normal part of development, and learning about them helps parents recognise early signs, understand behaviours, and seek support when needed. With guided movement and gentle support, children make meaningful progress—improving coordination, learning, and confidence along the way.
