Understanding Retained Primitive Reflexes in Children

As children grow, their brains and bodies go through an incredible process of development. One important part of early development involves a set of automatic movements known as primitive reflexes — natural reflexes babies are born with to help them survive and develop essential motor skills.

What Are Primitive Reflexes?

Primitive reflexes are involuntary movements controlled by the brainstem and spinal cord. They assist with early milestones such as feeding, rolling, crawling, and grasping. Examples include the Moro (startle) reflex, ATNR (asymmetrical tonic neck reflex), and STNR (symmetrical tonic neck reflex).

As a child’s nervous system matures, these reflexes are expected to integrate — meaning they no longer dominate movement, allowing for more controlled and voluntary motor function.

When Reflexes Don’t Integrate

In some children, certain primitive reflexes may remain active beyond the typical age of integration. This is sometimes referred to as retained primitive reflexes. When this occurs, it may influence aspects of a child’s movement, coordination, posture, and ability to focus.

It’s important to note that retained reflexes do not necessarily indicate a disorder, but they can be a sign that parts of the nervous system are still developing and adapting.

What Research Says

Emerging research has explored the relationship between retained reflexes and aspects of child development such as motor skills, learning, and balance.

• A study published in Frontiers in Public Health (2023) noted that children with retained reflexes often showed differences in motor coordination and postural control compared to peers with fully integrated reflexes.

• Another study in the Journal of Behavioral Optometry (2018) found that specific movement-based programs designed to support reflex integration were associated with improvements in reading and attention-related tasks.

• Research in Human Movement Science (2016) also suggested that reflex persistence can influence balance and coordination, highlighting the importance of early movement experiences and opportunities for motor development.

  
  

While more research is still needed to fully understand these relationships, the growing body of evidence supports the role of movement, sensory experiences, and postural control in helping the nervous system mature.

How Chiropractic Assessment Can Help

Chiropractors with an interest in neurodevelopmental care often include movement and postural assessments as part of a child’s overall evaluation. This may involve observing coordination patterns, balance, and reflex responses.

Findings from these assessments can help guide tailored movement-based strategies or home exercises aimed at supporting motor control and postural development.

Chiropractic care for children focuses on supporting optimal spinal function, movement, and nervous system communication, all of which contribute to a child’s ability to move, learn, and grow.

Supporting Your Child’s Development

If you’ve noticed that your child struggles with balance, coordination, or certain motor tasks, a neuro-developmental assessment can help identify areas for support.

At The Well House Chiropractic, our approach is gentle, evidence-informed, and individualised for each child’s needs. Our goal is to help children build the foundations for confident movement and lifelong wellbeing.

References:

1. Gieysztor, E., et al. (2018). Persistence of primitive reflexes and associated motor problems in healthy preschool children. Human Movement Science, 58, 15–22.

2. Melillo, R., et al. (2023). Primitive reflexes, motor function, and cognitive development: A systematic review. Frontiers in Public Health, 11, 1123451.

3. Goddard Blythe, S. (2018). The role of primitive reflexes in the development of learning and behaviour. Journal of Behavioral Optometry, 29(2), 39–46.