Retained Primitive Reflexes: What Parents Need to Know
Has your child ever struggled with paying attention in class, illegible handwriting, poor posture, or “clumsy” movements? Do you find yourself questioning why these traits or behaviors are occurring? Retained primitive reflexes may be the answer you are looking for.
What are Primitive Reflexes?
A primitive reflex is an automatic movement pattern present at birth th remains active during the first year of life. Primitive reflexes are imperative for infants to learn how to move and explore their environment. These reflexes help infants learn new skills, such as rolling and crawling, and engage in feeding and play activities. As a baby begins to have more awareness and control over their body and movements, they become less dependent on primitive reflexes. Eventually, the primitive reflexes become “integrated”.
What does it mean to have a “retained” primitive reflex?
A retained primitive reflex is a reflex that is not integrated into a child’s normal movement patterns within the typical timeframe. Retained reflexes can signify a developmental issue or coincide with missed developmental milestones.
According to this 2021 research study, 58% of pre-school-aged children demonstrated signs of retained primitive reflexes. Primitive reflexes are essential for developing proper motor control and coordination. When these reflexes remain active, they can inhibit motor development. These motor development skills, such as balance, postural control, and eye-hand coordination, are precursors to skills that develop later in childhood, particularly skills such as attention, handwriting, reading, and speech development.
In recent years, a higher rate of retained reflexes has been observed in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, learning disorders, and other neurodivergent populations. This Neurology journal states that higher rates of retained reflexes in the neurodivergent population may correlate with a delay in overall nervous system development. An immature nervous system at birth can hinder movement patterns in the first year of life. Movement allows infants to explore their environment and learn about different sensory inputs. So when movement is constrained, primitive reflexes are unable to be integrated.
So you think your child may have a retained primitive reflex? What now?
Pediatric professionals, such as occupational and physical therapists, can help your child integrate primitive reflexes. Various exercises and activities help a child strengthen volitional control of movement, which lessens the power of primitive reflexes. Reflex integration treatment can improve attention, coordination, reading/writing, and emotional regulation.
Primitive reflexes are essential for helping your child meet developmental milestones and learn about their world in the first year of life. But when those reflexes are retained, they can cause numerous problems down the line. Reflex integration treatment can be life-changing by helping break the pattern of primitive reflexes limiting your child’s movements and abilities.
5 Main Primitive Reflexes:
When looking at retained reflexes, 5 are seen most commonly:
Moro Reflex: In infants, the Moro reflex, or startle reflex, is triggered when there is a sudden change in head position or sudden auditory stimuli. The purpose is to orient the infant to the environment and desensitize them to sudden changes in position. Over time, the Moro reflex fades as an infant's balance and body awareness improve. A retained Moro reflex can often result in hypersensitivity to noise, touch, and movement. Also, increased anxiety and difficulty regulating emotions can be symptoms of a retained Moro reflex.
Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR): The ATNR reflex helps to develop tolerance to vestibular input, hand-eye coordination, and bilateral coordination skills. Additionally, this reflex helps infants learn how to roll because when they turn their head to one side, the opposite side of the body will flex, allowing momentum to aid in moving from back to tummy.
Tonic Labrynith Reflex: The TLR reflex, commonly called the superman reflex, influences an infant’s muscle tone and response to gravity. When this reflex is retained, gravitational insecurity, poor balance, and decreased tolerance of vestibular movement are common.
Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR): The STNR reflex appears once the TLR reflex has been integrated. It is responsible for differentiating the top of the body (arms) from the bottom of the body (legs). This movement pattern is also essential for learning how to crawl. Retention of this reflex can result in skipping crawling, poor core stability, and challenges with attention.
Spinal Gallant Reflex: The Spinal Gallant Reflex is prompted by touch or pressure to the back. Contraction during labor stimulates the lumbar region of an infant’s spine, helping them to move down the birth canal. When retained, there can be increased bedwetting, constant wiggling, and increased sensitivity to textures or clothing.
Signs and Symptoms to Look For:
Delayed developmental milestones
Poor attention
Inability to remain seated in class
Awkward or “clumsy” gross motor movements
Poor emotional regulation skills
Sleep difficulties
Easy startle - especially to loud noises or sudden changes in body position
Poor tolerance of spinning or swinging (vestibular input)
If your child exhibits one or several of these signs, consulting with their pediatrician about reflex testing may be a good idea.