How to Test for Retained Primitive Reflexes — and Why You Might Want To

If your child struggles with focus, coordination, handwriting, or emotional regulation, it might not be a behavioral issue—it could be a developmental one. Primitive reflexes are automatic movements babies are born with to help them survive and develop during the first year of life. These reflexes should “integrate” as the brain matures and higher centers take over. When they don’t, they can interfere with movement, attention, learning, and behavior.

The good news? These reflexes can be tested and addressed through specific exercises that support brain and body development.

What Are Primitive Reflexes?

Primitive reflexes originate in the brainstem—the area of the brain responsible for basic survival functions. Reflexes like the Moro, ATNR (Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex), and STNR (Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex) help an infant roll, crawl, and eventually walk. But if they stay active beyond early childhood, they can create challenges in posture, balance, focus, and even emotional control.

Why You Might Want to Test for Retained Reflexes

Many parents first notice something is “off” when their child seems bright and capable but still struggles with basic tasks—like sitting still, paying attention, or reading smoothly. These aren’t signs of laziness or disobedience; they often point to immature neural connections.

Testing for retained reflexes can help you:

• Identify the root cause of learning or behavior struggles instead of only addressing surface symptoms.

• Understand your child better—why certain environments or tasks feel harder for them.

• Personalize interventions like brain training, movement programs, or sensory therapies.

• Track progress—as reflexes integrate, you’ll often see measurable improvements in focus, posture, coordination, and emotional regulation.

When you understand how the brain and body are working together, you can finally stop guessing and start guiding toward lasting progress.

Signs a Reflex Might Be Retained

Common indicators that a reflex is still active include:

• Poor handwriting or trouble crossing midline (ATNR)

• Motion sickness, poor balance, or difficulty sitting still (TLR, vestibular issues)

• Poor eye tracking or reading struggles (STNR, ATNR)

• Heightened startle responses or anxiety (Moro)

• Toe walking, clumsiness, or difficulty with sports (Spinal Galant, TLR)

Simple At-Home Tests You Can Try

Here are a few gentle ways to observe for retained reflexes. These are not diagnostic but can provide clues that your child may benefit from further evaluation.

1. Moro Reflex (Startle Reflex)

• How to test: Have your child lie on their back with arms and legs extended. Gently lift their head and shoulders off the ground, then let go (supporting their head).

• Watch for: Overreaction—arms flinging out, shoulders rising, or facial tension. A retained Moro can make a child easily startled, anxious, or hypersensitive to light and sound.

2. ATNR (Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex)

• How to test: Ask your child to get on hands and knees. Turn their head to one side.

• Watch for: The arm on the side the head turns to straightens, while the opposite arm bends. If they struggle to stay stable or the arms move involuntarily, the ATNR may still be active.

3. STNR (Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex)

• How to test: On hands and knees, have your child slowly look up at the ceiling, then down toward their belly.

• Watch for: As they look up, elbows may straighten and hips drop; as they look down, elbows bend and hips rise. If posture shifts dramatically, this reflex may still be influencing movement and posture.

4. Spinal Galant Reflex

• How to test: Have your child in all fours or on their side. Gently stroke one side of their back near the spine.

• Watch for: Hip and shoulder shift toward one another on the side that’s touched. This reflex can affect sitting tolerance and cause bed-wetting or fidgeting.

5. TLR (Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex)

• How to test: Ask your child to stand tall, feet together, and slowly tilt their head back.

• Watch for: Swaying, loss of balance, or bending of the knees. A retained TLR can affect balance, muscle tone, and spatial orientation.

What the Research Says

• In a study of 35 healthy preschool children aged 4-6, 65% had residual levels of one or more primitive reflexes. The study found that the greater the severity of retained reflexes, the lower the motor efficiency. PubMed Central+1

• Another study of 44 preschoolers (4-6 years) found that higher levels of active primitive reflexes were significantly associated with sensory-motor problems (e.g., dyspraxia, vestibular/postural disorders). PubMed

• A qualitative study interviewed parents of children (ages 7–12) who used a Rhythmic Movement Training (RMT) intervention aimed at reflex integration. Parents reported improved attention, coordination and ease of daily tasks. PubMed

• A research paper reviewed reflex retention as a potential biomarker for developmental disorders (e.g., autism spectrum and ADHD) and highlighted that retained reflexes may signal delayed cortical maturation and connectivity issues. PubMed+1

• In children with ASD and ADHD (ages 6–12), a 12-week exercise intervention (balance, coordination, rhythmic movement) produced statistically significant reductions in an ATNR retention score and improvements in motor coordination and behavioral measures. PubMed

What this means for you: Testing for retained primitive reflexes is not just “checking boxes”—it places you in a stronger position to connect what you see (in movement, motor skills, attention) to what may be going on in the brain-body system.

Why Reflex Testing Matters

Unintegrated reflexes are often hidden beneath behavioral or academic struggles. Testing for these reflexes helps reveal the root of the problem—whether it’s poor core strength, sensory processing issues, or brainstem immaturity—so therapy can target what the child truly needs.

When the brain and body communicate efficiently, kids become calmer, more coordinated, and more confident learners.

What to Do Next

If you suspect retained reflexes, a professional trained in reflex integration, or functional neurology can perform a full assessment and create a personalized plan. At Brain Connex Therapy, we use reflex testing as part of a comprehensive approach that blends movement, sensory work, and brain training to help kids reach their full potential.

Want to learn more?
Visit our 'Get Started Page' to book a consultation and see how reflex integration can improve focus, learning, and emotional balance.