The Hidden Link Between Retained Primitive Reflexes and Childhood Challenges

How Early Reflexes Can Affect Handwriting, Bedwetting, and Speech

Many parents are surprised to learn that some of their child’s everyday struggles—like messy handwriting, bedwetting, or unclear speech—may not be behavioral or motivational at all. Instead, they can be rooted in the brain and body’s early development through something called primitive reflexes.

What Are Primitive Reflexes?

Primitive reflexes are automatic movement patterns that develop before birth and in early infancy. They help a baby survive, grow, and learn—like the Moro reflex (startle), ATNR (Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex), and Spinal Galant reflex.

In the first year or two of life, as the brain matures and higher centers take control, these reflexes are supposed to integrate—or fade away. When that process doesn’t happen, the reflexes can remain “retained.” This can subtly interfere with how a child’s brain processes information, coordinates movement, and develops key learning and self-regulation skills.

How Retained Reflexes Affect Daily Function

🖊 Poor Handwriting and Motor Control

A retained ATNR (Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex) makes it hard for a child to cross midline, coordinate both sides of the body, or keep their head still while writing. The head may turn as the hand moves across the page, leading to poor letter formation, spacing, and fatigue.

Similarly, a retained Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR) can cause difficulties with posture and core strength—making it tough for kids to sit upright, stabilize their arms, and use fine motor control effectively. Over time, this can show up as sloppy handwriting, difficulty cutting, or frustration with any pencil-based task.

💧 Bedwetting and Toilet Training Delays

The Spinal Galant Reflex, which helps babies move through the birth canal, should disappear within the first year. When it stays active, even light touch or pressure around the lower back can trigger an involuntary contraction of the hips or bladder muscles.

This reflex can make it difficult for a child to stay dry at night or respond appropriately to bladder signals—leading to bedwetting even into the elementary years. It’s not a matter of willpower or laziness; it’s a neurological pattern that hasn’t yet been matured and integrated.

🗣 Speech and Language Difficulties

Speech development requires precise coordination between breathing, tongue, lips, and jaw—skills that rely on a calm, organized nervous system. Retained reflexes like the Moro reflex (the startle reflex) can keep a child’s nervous system in a constant state of “fight or flight,” affecting focus, emotional regulation, and oral motor control.

Meanwhile, a retained Rooting or Suck Reflex can impact how the tongue and lips move, contributing to articulation issues, drooling, or challenges with certain sounds.

The Good News: The Brain Can Change

Reflex retention doesn’t mean your child is “stuck.” Through gentle, specific movement patterns designed to mimic developmental stages, these reflexes can be integrated—helping to build stronger neural connections between the brain and body.

At Brain Connex Therapy, our programs use movement-based neuro-training to help children improve coordination, handwriting, speech clarity, bladder control, and overall self-regulation. By addressing the root cause, not just the symptoms, kids can thrive at home, in school, and in daily life.

Signs Your Child May Have Retained Reflexes

• Difficulty sitting still or maintaining posture

• Poor handwriting or fatigue during writing tasks

• Frequent bedwetting after age 6

• Trouble with articulation or speech clarity

• Sensitivity to tags, clothing, or touch

• Emotional outbursts or overreactions to small changes

If these sound familiar, your child may benefit from a reflex integration screening to see how their brain and body are working together.

Final Thoughts

Retained primitive reflexes are often overlooked, yet they play a major role in a child’s development. When the brain and body are better connected, everything—from handwriting to bladder control to speech—can improve.

Helping your child reach their potential starts with understanding how early movement patterns shape lifelong function.

Ready to Learn More?
Explore our online reflex integration program at [Brain Connex Therapy] and discover how simple, at-home movements can help your child’s brain and body work in harmony.