- Dec 6, 2025
How Retained Primitive Reflexes Can Affect Learning, Reading, Math & Executive Function
(and what research says about it)
Most parents don’t realize that the movements babies make in their first year — the automatic “building block” reflexes like the Moro, ATNR, STNR, and others — play a huge role in how the brain develops. These reflexes are supposed to fade away as higher-level motor and thinking skills take over.
But sometimes they don’t fully disappear, and when that happens, they can quietly affect things like reading, writing, math, attention, and behavior. These are called retained primitive reflexes.
Below is a simple breakdown of how they can make certain school tasks harder — and the research that supports these connections.
1. Reading & Writing Challenges
When a reflex like the ATNR sticks around, it can make it hard for a child to move their eyes smoothly across a page or control their head separately from their arms. That means reading and writing take more effort, and kids may tire quickly or get frustrated.
You might notice:
Losing their place while reading
Skipping lines
Mixing up words
Awkward pencil grip or messy handwriting
Difficulty copying from the board
Key research findings:
Children with retained ATNR show more reading difficulties and poorer reading scores.
Studies report higher rates of reflex retention among kids with weak visual tracking and handwriting challenges.
Reflex persistence has been directly linked to reading delays in school-aged children.
2. Math & Problem-Solving Difficulties
Math isn’t just numbers — it requires attention, sequencing, spatial awareness, and organized thinking. Reflexes like the STNR and TLR can affect posture, balance, and the ability to visually organize information. When these reflexes linger, they add “extra noise” to the brain and make math work feel harder than it should.
You may notice:
Trouble lining up numbers
Difficulty understanding math steps
Problems staying seated or focused during math tasks
Poor accuracy in multi-step problems
Key research findings:
Studies show improvements in math problem-solving when retained reflexes are reduced through targeted movement programs.
Reflex retention has been linked to challenges in spatial reasoning and sequencing — both essential for math success.
Research notes that posture and midline issues associated with certain reflexes have downstream effects on math skills.
3. Attention, Behavior & Executive Function
Executive function is the “control center” of the brain — things like working memory, impulse control, planning, emotional regulation, and staying on task. A retained Moro reflex, for example, can keep a child in a constantly “on alert” state. That makes it harder to stay calm, focused, or organized.
What you might see:
Big reactions to small stressors
Difficulty shifting between tasks
Poor working memory
Impulsivity or fidgeting
Trouble completing homework without reminders
Key research findings:
Multiple studies show a strong relationship between retained reflexes and symptoms of ADHD.
Meta-analytic reviews report moderate correlations between retained reflexes and attention problems.
Movement-based programs that reduce reflex activity have shown improvements in attention and behavior.
Children with ASD and ADHD showed decreased reflex retention and better behavioral outcomes after structured exercise interventions.
4. Fine Motor Skills & Classroom Participation
Reflexes like the palmar grasp and TLR affect posture, hand strength, and coordination. When these reflexes don’t integrate, fine-motor tasks require much more effort.
You may notice:
Poor handwriting
Fatigue during writing
Difficulty manipulating small objects
Slouching or leaning on the desk
Struggles with tasks like tying shoes
Key research findings:
Reflex retention is associated with weaker fine-motor skills and handwriting problems.
Studies show improvements in fine-motor coordination when reflexes are addressed through movement-based programs.
Children with retained reflexes score lower on visual-motor precision tasks.
A Quick Note About the Research
Researchers generally agree that:
Retained reflexes are linked to learning, motor, and attention challenges.
Many studies show improvements when reflexes are addressed.
More large-scale, controlled trials would continue to strengthen the evidence base.
For parents, the key takeaway is this:
Retained reflexes don’t mean something is “wrong” with your child. They simply reflect areas where the nervous system may need extra support — and they can improve.
What Parents Can Do Next
There is a consistent body of clinical and emerging empirical evidence that retained primitive reflexes are associated with difficulties in reading, handwriting, some aspects of math, motor coordination, and executive functions such as attention and task persistence. Intervention studies — while varied in design — suggest that programs aimed at reducing reflex retention can lead to improvements in motor and academic outcomes for some children. That said, reflex-based approaches should be part of a broader, multidisciplinary plan that includes educational assessment, vision/hearing checks, evidence-based reading/math interventions, and support for attention/executive skills.
If some of the signs above feel familiar, here are simple steps to take:
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Get a reflex screening
An occupational therapist specializing in reflex-integration can assess which reflexes may still be active. You can also use our at-home TEST program to learn how to test yourself. Look at sensory systems as well
A child with reflex retention may also benefit from vision perceptual checks, vestibular, proprioception & balance assessments — it’s rarely just one thing. Our TEST program above tests for both.-
Use movement-based therapy
Programs that target reflex integration can help improve reading, writing, math, focus, and emotional regulation. Our at-home Reflex Integration Online program will create a customized, easy-to-follow, movement-based program for your child. -
Create a supportive home and school plan
Small accommodations (movement breaks, reading guides, posture support) can make a big difference. Beyond our reflex online movements, you can add in "brain breaks" and other brain-based movements, from our #kidstrong program for free.
Quick list of key studies & reviews (for further reading)
Melillo R., et al., Persistent Childhood Primitive Reflex Reduction Effects on Motor and Cognitive Function— hemispheric-based training reduced RPRs and showed cognitive and motor gains (2020). PubMed
Melillo R., et al., Retained Primitive Reflexes and Potential for Intervention in ASD — review linking RPRs to motor/cognitive function and interventions (2022). PMC
Pecuch A., et al., Primitive Reflex Activity in Relation to Motor Skills in Healthy Children — links between reflexes and motor/sensory/cognitive development (2021). PMC
McPhillips M., et al., Primary reflex persistence in children with reading difficulties — ATNR and reading links (2007). ScienceDirect
Wang M., et al., Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is associated with primitive reflexes — meta-analytic systematic review showing correlations between ADHD and persisting reflexes (2023). PMC
Hirose N., et al., Effects of a 12-Week Exercise Intervention on Primitive Reflex Retention — randomized/controlled exercise study reporting reduced reflexes and improved coordination and behavior in ASD/ADHD groups (2025).