Primitive Reflexes in Children: Signs They Are Retained and How Reflex Integration Therapy Helps

What Are Primitive Reflexes?

Primitive reflexes are automatic movement patterns that emerge in the womb and during early infancy. They are designed to help a baby survive and develop – for example, the rooting reflex helps a baby find the breast, and the grasp reflex allows a baby to hold onto a caregiver.

In a typically developing child, these reflexes integrate (disappear) within the first 6–12 months of life, replaced by voluntary, controlled movements.

But when primitive reflexes remain past their expected age, they are called "retained reflexes." This means the brain is still operating from an immature, automatic movement pattern – and that can cause significant challenges for a growing child.

Signs Your Child May Have Retained Primitive Reflexes

Parents often describe their child as "clumsy," "fussy," or "behind" without knowing why. Below are common signs associated with specific retained reflexes.

Reflex Expected Integration Age Signs of Retention
Moro reflex (startle reflex) 4–6 months Over-sensitive to light, sound, or movement; easily startled; difficulty calming down; anxiety; motion sickness
ATNR (asymmetric tonic neck reflex) 6 months Difficulty crossing the midline; poor handwriting; messy eating; struggles with bilateral coordination
TLR (tonic labyrinthine reflex) 6 months Poor posture; "floppy" or "stiff" body; difficulty with balance; struggles with stairs or sport
Spinal Galant 3–9 months Bedwetting beyond expected age; fidgeting; difficulty sitting still in a chair
Palmar reflex 6 months Poor fine motor skills; messy handwriting; unusual pencil grip; sensitivity to touch on palms

A child with multiple retained reflexes may present with:

• Delayed motor milestones (crawling, walking)

• Sensory processing difficulties (over- or under-responsive to touch, sound, movement)

• Poor coordination and balance

• Difficulty concentrating in class

• Emotional dysregulation and meltdowns

• Challenges with reading, writing, and maths

How Reflex Integration Therapy Works

Reflex integration therapy uses specific, gentle movement patterns to "retrain" the brain to integrate retained reflexes. The most well-researched approach is the INPP (Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology) method – which is what we use at CogniClinic.

What a typical reflex integration programme looks like:

1. Assessment: A trained practitioner assesses which reflexes are retained using standardised tests

2. Individualised programme: Your child receives a daily home programme of 5–10 minutes of specific movements

3. Weekly or fortnightly reviews: The practitioner monitors progress and adjusts the programme

4. Integration: Over several months, retained reflexes integrate – and associated difficulties often reduce or resolve

Who can benefit?

• Children with developmental delay, dyspraxia (DCD), or sensory processing difficulties

• Children with autism or ADHD (retained reflexes are very common in neurodivergent children)

• Children with "unexplained" learning or behavioural difficulties

Real-World Example

Before therapy: Liam, age 7, struggled to sit still in class. He would fall off his chair, bump into other children, and melt down when the classroom was noisy. His handwriting was illegible. He avoided PE and playground games.

Assessment revealed: Retained Moro, ATNR, and spinal Galant reflexes.

After 6 months of reflex integration therapy: Liam could sit still for 20 minutes. His handwriting improved significantly. He no longer melted down in noisy environments. His mother said: "He is a different child. He comes home happy instead of exhausted and tearful."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can reflex integration help my child if they already have an autism or ADHD diagnosis?
Yes. Retained reflexes are very common in neurodivergent children. Integrating them does not "cure" autism or ADHD, but it often reduces sensory overload, improves motor skills, and supports emotional regulation.

How long does reflex integration take?
Most children require 6–12 months of consistent daily work. Some reflexes integrate within a few months; others take longer.

Is reflex integration therapy evidence-based?
Yes. There is a growing body of peer-reviewed research supporting INPP-based reflex integration for motor skills, attention, and academic performance.

Where can I get reflex integration therapy in Sligo?
CogniClinic is the only clinic in the Northwest offering INPP-trained reflex integration therapy. We are based in Sligo and serve families from Leitrim, Donegal, Roscommon, and Mayo.

Next Steps

If you recognise any of the signs above in your child, a neurodevelopmental assessment can identify which reflexes are retained and whether reflex integration therapy is appropriate.

📞 Contact CogniClinic: +353 87 7919020
✉️ Email: hello@cogniclinic.ie
📍 Sligo, Ireland – serving the Northwest