Primitive Reflexes: What They Are, Why They Matter, and How They Impact Your Child’s Development
Why does my child seem so capable… but still struggle?
You’ve probably had that moment. Your child is smart. Curious. Maybe even advanced in certain areas.
And yet…
They can’t sit still
They melt down over small things
They avoid certain movements or textures
They seem clumsy or uncoordinated
They struggle with focus despite trying
You’ve tried strategies. You’ve asked questions.
But something still feels… off. At TheraPlay LA, this is often where we start. Because many of these challenges don’t begin with behavior. They begin at the level of the nervous system. Specifically: primitive reflexes.
What Are Primitive Reflexes?
Primitive reflexes are automatic, involuntary movements that babies are born with. They are not random. They are neurological patterns designed to:
Help babies survive early life
Support movement development
Build the foundation for coordination, regulation, and learning
Think of them as your child’s first “operating system.”
What Does It Mean for a Reflex to Be “Integrated”?
As your child grows, these reflexes are supposed to:
Activate at specific times
Do their job
Then gradually integrate (fade away)
When this happens, the brain builds:
Postural control
Coordination
Emotional regulation
Attention and focus
But when reflexes don’t fully integrate, they don’t just disappear.
They stay active in the background—and begin to interfere with development.
The Big Insight Most Parents Miss
Primitive reflexes are not just “baby things.”
They are the foundation of your child’s nervous system.
When retained, they can impact:
Attention and focus
Emotional regulation
Coordination and motor skills
Behavior
Learning
Sleep and breathing
Feeding and speech
This is why some children seem like they’re trying… but their body isn’t cooperating.
Signs Your Child May Have Retained Reflexes
Instead of clinical terms, here’s what this can look like in real life:
Gets easily overwhelmed or fatigued
Struggles with handwriting or posture
Has big emotional reactions or difficulty calming down
Constantly moving or unable to sit still
Has difficulty focusing despite being bright
Seems clumsy or uncoordinated
Avoids certain textures, clothing, or foods
Prefers W-sitting
Many of these are often labeled as behavioral—but they can have a neurological root.
An Overview of Key Primitive Reflexes
These are some of the most common reflexes we assess at TheraPlay LA:
The Moro Reflex (Startle Reflex)
This reflex helps babies respond to sudden changes or stimuli.
When retained, it can lead to:
Anxiety or heightened stress response
Sensitivity to sound, light, or movement
Emotional reactivity and difficulty calming
Click here for more information about: The Moro Reflex
The ATNR (Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex)
This reflex supports early hand-eye coordination.
When retained, it can impact:
Writing and fine motor skills
Crossing midline
Coordination during tasks
Click here for more information about: Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex
The STNR (Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex)
This reflex helps babies transition into crawling and upright posture.
When retained, it can show up as:
Difficulty sitting still
Slouched posture
Trouble focusing at a desk
Click here for more information about: Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex
The TLR (Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex)
This reflex supports balance and spatial awareness.
When retained, it may affect:
Posture and muscle tone
Balance and coordination
Confidence with movement
Click here for more information about: Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex
The Spinal Galant Reflex
This reflex supports early movement and hip development.
When retained, it can present as:
Constant fidgeting or inability to sit still
Sensitivity around the waist
Bedwetting
Click here for more information about: Spinal Galant Blog
How Primitive Reflexes Impact Speech, Feeding, and Airway
Primitive reflexes don’t just affect movement—they also influence:
Oral motor control
Tongue coordination
Breath support
Feeding patterns
Speech clarity
For example:
A retained reflex can affect tongue posture
→ Which impacts airway and breathing
→ Which then impacts speech and feeding
This could be one of the reasons why some children:
Struggle with articulation
Have difficulty chewing or swallowing
Prefer soft foods
Sound unclear or fatigued when speaking
Why This Often Gets Missed
Many traditional approaches focus just on:
Behavior
Academic performance
Surface-level symptoms
But they don’t always assess the underlying neurological foundation.
So parents are often told:
“Let’s wait and see”
“They’ll grow out of it”
“It’s just behavioral”
When in reality, the child may be working against a nervous system that isn’t fully integrated.
Our Approach at TheraPlay LA
We take a root-cause, nervous system-first approach.
We look at:
Movement patterns
Sensory processing
Reflex integration
Regulation
Airway and breathing
Motor and communication development
And we use:
Targeted movement activities
Sensory-based strategies
Regulation support
Integrated occupational and speech therapy
Development doesn’t happen in isolation.
What You Can Do Next
If you’re reading this and thinking:
“This sounds like my child…”
You’re not overreacting. And you’re not imagining things. Start by observing:
Movement patterns
Posture
Emotional regulation
Coordination
From there, a comprehensive evaluation can help determine whether retained reflexes are playing a role.
The Bottom Line
Your child isn’t “difficult.” Your child’s nervous system may just need support. When you address development at the foundation level—everything else becomes easier.
Want to Learn More About Each Reflex?
Explore each reflex in more detail:
Ready to Support Your Child?
At TheraPlay LA, we help families understand the “why” behind their child’s challenges—so we can create meaningful, lasting change.
If you’re ready to look deeper, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Schedule a Free Discovery Call: Discovery Call
