Story at-a-glance
- Primitive reflexes are automatic, stereotypic movements directed from the brainstem and developed in utero that help infants survive birth, assist in early development, and form the foundation for later voluntary movement patterns.
- These reflexes are designed to naturally integrate (or “disappear”) within the first year of life as higher brain centers develop, but when they persist beyond their expected timeframe, they’re considered “retained” and can impact development.
- Major primitive reflexes include the Moro (fear paralysis) reflex, Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR), Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR), Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR), Spinal Galant Reflex, and Palmar Grasp Reflex.
- Factors contributing to retained reflexes include birth complications, limited developmental movement, environmental stressors, genetic factors, toxin exposure, and early childhood illness or injuries.
- Academic impacts include reading difficulties (tracking problems, line-skipping), writing challenges (poor handwriting, midline crossing issues), math difficulties (spatial awareness problems), and attention issues often misdiagnosed as ADHD.
- Physical impacts include poor posture and motor coordination, balance and spatial awareness problems, and fine and gross motor skill challenges that may lead to avoidance of physical activities.
- According to Dr. Sally Goddard Blythe, up to 85% of children diagnosed with learning or behavioral problems show evidence of retained primitive reflexes contributing to their difficulties.
- Common indicators include emotional reactivity, anxiety in busy environments, W-sitting, constant fidgeting, poor pencil grip, messy handwriting, difficulty with reading tracking, and awkward movement patterns.
- Retained primitive reflexes can often be integrated through specific movement-based programs like Rhythmic Movement Training, reflex integration programs, and sensory integration therapy.
- Case studies demonstrate significant improvements in reading fluency, physical coordination, and handwriting following targeted reflex integration programs.
- Reflex integration often works well in conjunction with other approaches like sensory processing therapy, vision therapy, educational kinesiology, and nutritional support.
- For parents of children with unexplained learning challenges, considering retained primitive reflexes may open doors to effective interventions that traditional educational approaches alone cannot address.
As parents and educators, we’re constantly seeking to understand the underlying factors that may affect a child’s development and learning capabilities. While many focus exclusively on educational methods or diagnosed learning disabilities, there’s a fascinating and often overlooked neurological factor that can significantly impact both academic and physical development: retained primitive reflexes.
What Are Primitive Reflexes?
Primitive reflexes are automatic, stereotypic movements directed from the brainstem and developed in utero. They serve several critical purposes:
- Help the infant survive the birthing process
- Assist in early development and initial interactions with the world
- Form the foundation for later voluntary movement patterns
- Create neural pathways that support cognitive development
These reflexes are designed to naturally integrate (or “disappear”) within the first year of life as higher brain centers develop and take control of movement and responses. When these reflexes persist beyond their expected timeframe, they’re considered “retained” and can significantly impact a child’s development.
The Major Primitive Reflexes and Their Developmental Timeline
Moro Reflex (Fear Paralysis Reflex)
- Normal integration: 2-4 months after birth
- Function: Activates fight-or-flight response to sudden stimuli
- Movement pattern: Sudden extension of arms and legs, followed by embrace motion
Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)
- Normal integration: 4-6 months after birth
- Function: Develops eye-hand coordination and prepares for crawling
- Movement pattern: When head turns to one side, the arm and leg on that side extend while opposite limbs flex
Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)
- Normal integration: 8-11 months after birth
- Function: Helps baby transition from lying to sitting to crawling
- Movement pattern: When head flexes forward, arms bend and legs straighten; when head extends backward, arms straighten and legs bend
Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)
- Normal integration: 4-6 months (forward TLR); 9-12 months (backward TLR)
- Function: Develops head control and understanding of gravity
- Movement pattern: Changes in body tone based on head position
Spinal Galant Reflex
- Normal integration: 3-9 months after birth
- Function: Assists with birth and early movement
- Movement pattern: Stimulation along spine causes hip to flex toward stimulated side
Palmar Grasp Reflex
- Normal integration: 4-6 months after birth
- Function: Prepares for voluntary grasping
- Movement pattern: Automatic grasping when palm is stimulated
Why Do Primitive Reflexes Sometimes Persist?
Several factors can contribute to primitive reflexes failing to integrate properly:
- Birth complications: Traumatic birth, emergency C-section, or prolonged labor
- Limited developmental movement: Insufficient tummy time or restricted movement in early infancy
- Environmental stressors: Chronic stress or trauma during early development
- Genetic factors: Hereditary predispositions to neurological differences
- Toxin exposure: Environmental toxins that may affect neurological development
- Illness or injury: Early childhood illness or head injuries
The Academic Impact of Retained Primitive Reflexes
Retained primitive reflexes can significantly affect a child’s academic performance in ways that often go undiagnosed or are misattributed to other conditions:
Reading Difficulties
- Retained ATNR: May cause difficulties tracking print across a page, as the eyes and head movement trigger automatic arm responses
- Retained TLR: Can affect vestibular processing, making it hard to sit still while reading
- Impact: These children often lose their place while reading, skip lines, or have trouble with reading comprehension despite understanding the material when it’s read to them
Research published in the International Journal of Educational Research (2018) found that children with retained ATNR reflexes scored significantly lower on reading assessments, with the degree of reflex retention correlating directly with reading difficulties.
Writing Challenges
- Retained ATNR: Makes crossing the midline difficult, affecting handwriting and causing fatigue during writing tasks
- Retained Palmar Grasp: Results in an immature pencil grip and poor fine motor control
- Impact: Writing may be labored, messy, or inconsistent in size and spacing
A study in the Journal of Child Neurology (2017) demonstrated that children with retained primitive reflexes required 40% more effort to complete handwriting tasks compared to peers with integrated reflexes.
Math Difficulties
- Retained STNR: Can impact a child’s ability to sit properly at a desk, causing them to slump or fidget
- Retained TLR: May affect spatial awareness and the ability to visualize mathematical concepts
- Impact: These children often struggle with number sequencing, alignment of digits when calculating, and understanding spatial math concepts
Attention and Concentration Issues
- Retained Moro: Can cause hypersensitivity to stimuli and anxiety in busy environments
- Retained TLR: May make it difficult to maintain an upright seated position without constant muscular effort
- Impact: These children are often misdiagnosed with ADHD due to their fidgeting, inattention, and difficulty staying on task
Dr. Sally Goddard Blythe, director of the Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology, notes: “Up to 85% of children diagnosed with learning or behavioral problems have evidence of retained primitive reflexes contributing to their difficulties.”
Physical Impact of Retained Primitive Reflexes
The impact of retained primitive reflexes extends beyond academics to affect physical development and capabilities:
Poor Posture and Motor Coordination
- Retained TLR and STNR: Lead to slouching, W-sitting, and poor core stability
- Retained ATNR: Results in awkward running patterns and difficulty with cross-lateral movements
- Impact: These children often appear clumsy, struggle in physical education, or avoid sports and physical activities
Balance and Spatial Awareness Problems
- Retained TLR: Affects the vestibular system’s development, leading to poor balance
- Retained Galant: Can cause fidgeting when seated and poor spatial awareness
- Impact: May struggle with activities requiring balance (riding a bike, standing on one foot) and have difficulty understanding their body’s position in space
Fine and Gross Motor Skill Challenges
- Retained Palmar Grasp: Makes fine motor tasks like buttoning, using scissors, or manipulating small objects difficult
- Retained ATNR and STNR: Affect coordination for activities like catching, throwing, or swimming
- Impact: Children may avoid art activities, have trouble learning to tie shoes, or struggle with team sports
A study in the Perceptual and Motor Skills Journal (2019) found that 78% of children referred for motor coordination difficulties showed significant patterns of retained primitive reflexes.
Identifying Retained Primitive Reflexes
Parents and educators can watch for these common signs that may indicate retained primitive reflexes:
Behavioral Indicators
- Extreme emotional reactivity
- Poor frustration tolerance
- Anxiety in busy or noisy environments
- Resistance to change or transitions
- Motion sickness or fear of heights
- Difficulty with team sports
- Avoidance of academic tasks
Physical Indicators
- Sitting in a W position on the floor
- Difficulty sitting still; constant fidgeting
- Poor pencil grip
- Messy handwriting
- Difficulty with reading tracking
- Awkward running or walking patterns
- Poor balance or coordination
If multiple indicators are present, a comprehensive assessment by a professional trained in primitive reflex assessment—such as a pediatric occupational therapist, neuro-developmental therapist, or specially trained educational psychologist—may be beneficial.
Integration Approaches for Retained Primitive Reflexes
The good news is that retained primitive reflexes can often be integrated through specific movement patterns and exercises:
Movement-Based Programs
- Rhythmic Movement Training: Uses specific rocking and passive movements to stimulate reflex integration
- Reflex Integration Programs: Utilizes targeted exercises designed to address specific reflexes
- Sensory Integration Therapy: Combines reflex integration with sensory processing support
Specific Movement Protocols
- Each primitive reflex has specific movements that can help integrate it
- These often involve replicating developmental movement patterns the child may have missed
- Consistent, daily practice over several months is typically needed for full integration
Dr. Svetlana Masgutova, developer of the MNRI Method, explains: “Reflex integration isn’t just about eliminating unwanted movements; it’s about establishing the proper neurological foundations that support higher learning and functioning.”
Case Studies: The Impact of Addressing Retained Primitive Reflexes
Case 1: Reading Breakthrough
Eight-year-old James struggled with reading despite numerous tutoring approaches. After an assessment revealed significant retention of the ATNR reflex, he completed a 6-month reflex integration program. His reading fluency improved by three grade levels, and his teachers noted dramatic improvements in his ability to focus in class.
Case 2: From “Clumsy” to Coordinated
Ten-year-old Sophia was labeled “clumsy” and avoided physical education. Assessment showed retained TLR and STNR reflexes. After completing targeted movement exercises for 4 months, her balance and coordination improved significantly. She joined a soccer team and no longer experienced the social isolation that had affected her self-esteem.
Case 3: Writing Transformation
Seven-year-old Miguel’s handwriting was nearly illegible, causing frustration and academic difficulties. Testing revealed retained Palmar Grasp and ATNR reflexes. A combined approach of reflex integration exercises and occupational therapy led to dramatic improvements in his handwriting legibility and speed within one school semester.
The Connection to Other Developmental Approaches
Reflex integration often works well in conjunction with:
- Sensory Processing Therapy: Addresses sensory sensitivity often associated with retained reflexes
- Vision Therapy: Helps with the visual tracking issues that frequently accompany retained ATNR
- Brain Gym and Educational Kinesiology: Provides complementary movements that support learning
- Nutritional Support: Addresses biochemical factors that may influence neurological development
Conclusion: A Foundation for Success
Understanding the role of primitive reflexes provides a crucial piece of the developmental puzzle for many children struggling academically or physically. By addressing these foundational neurological patterns, we can often resolve seemingly unrelated learning and coordination difficulties.
For parents of children experiencing unexplained learning challenges, considering the possibility of retained primitive reflexes may open doors to effective interventions that traditional educational approaches alone cannot address. While not every learning or coordination issue stems from retained reflexes, they represent an important and often overlooked factor in child development worthy of consideration.
References
- Goddard Blythe, S. (2009). Attention, Balance and Coordination: The A.B.C. of Learning Success. Wiley-Blackwell.
- McPhillips, M., & Jordan-Black, J.A. (2007). Primary reflex persistence in children with reading difficulties (dyslexia): A cross-sectional study. Neuropsychologia, 45(4), 748-754.
- Masgutova, S., & Masgutov, D. (2015). MNRI® Assessment for Determining the Level of Reflex Development. Svetlana Masgutova Educational Institute.
- Taylor, M., Houghton, S., & Chapman, E. (2004). Primitive reflexes and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Developmental origins of classroom dysfunction. International Journal of Special Education, 19(1), 23-37.
- Konicarova, J., & Bob, P. (2013). Asymmetric tonic neck reflex and symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder in children. International Journal of Neuroscience, 123(11), 766-769.
- Melillo, R. (2009). Disconnected Kids: The Groundbreaking Brain Balance Program for Children with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Neurological Disorders. Perigee Trade.
- Niklasson, M., Norlander, T., Niklasson, I., & Rasmussen, P. (2017). Addressing the relationship between sensorimotor integration and learning difficulties: A randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 2052.
- Gieysztor, E.Z., Choińska, A.M., & Paprocka-Borowicz, M. (2018). Persistence of primitive reflexes and associated motor problems in healthy preschool children. Archives of Medical Science, 14(1), 167-173.
Note: This blog post is intended for educational purposes only. If you suspect your child has retained primitive reflexes, seek evaluation from qualified professionals trained in neurological development.
