A Free Guide for Parents
Primitive reflexes are automatic movement patterns babies are born with. They help with survival and early development, but they are meant to disappear as the brain matures. When these reflexes don’t fully integrate, they can interfere with attention, learning, behavior, posture, emotions, and coordination.
As the brain develops—especially between ages 0–3—these reflexes are designed to integrate, meaning they gradually disappear as higher brain centers take over. However, for many children, reflexes remain active. Research shows that retained reflexes may be associated with challenges in coordination, attention, sensory processing, reading, emotional regulation, and behavior.
Several studies have found strong links between retained primitive reflexes and neurodevelopmental delays. For example, Gieysztor et al. (2018) found that retained reflexes such as ATNR and STNR were significantly correlated with poor motor skills in preschool children. Another study by Konicarova & Bob (2013) showed that children with ADHD commonly displayed retained primitive reflexes, suggesting that reflex integration may support improvements in attention and behavior.
If a child still has these reflexes beyond infancy, the brain may be working harder than it should, and daily skills can feel more difficult than they need to be. Below are ten of the most common signs that retained primitive reflexes may be affecting your child.
Here are the top 10 most common signs your child may still have retained primitive reflexes.