Many children struggle with learning, attention, and coordination, yet the root cause often remains overlooked. If your child finds reading, writing, or sitting still difficult, retained primitive reflexes might be the missing link.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- What primitive reflexes are and why they matter
- How retained reflexes can affect learning, behavior, and coordination
- Simple ways to help your child integrate these reflexes naturally
What Are Primitive Reflexes?
Primitive reflexes are automatic movement patterns that develop in the womb and during infancy. They help babies survive, grow, and build the foundational brain-body connections necessary for future skills like balance, coordination, and focus.
Normally, these reflexes integrate as a child matures. However, if they remain active beyond infancy, they can interfere with learning, motor skills, and emotional regulation.
How Do Retained Reflexes Affect Learning?
When primitive reflexes are not fully integrated, they can create a variety of challenges, including:
- Difficulty with reading and writing – Struggles with tracking words on a page, letter reversals, or poor handwriting.
- Poor focus and attention – Easily distracted, trouble following instructions, or difficulty sitting still.
- Coordination and balance problems – Clumsiness, difficulty crossing the midline, or poor hand-eye coordination.
- Sensory sensitivities – Overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures.
- Emotional regulation issues – Heightened anxiety, frequent meltdowns, or extreme reactions to stress.
Many of these challenges are mistakenly labeled as ADHD, dyslexia, or sensory processing disorder when the underlying issue could be retained reflexes.
Common Retained Reflexes That Impact Learning
1. Moro Reflex (Startle Reflex)
- Causes an exaggerated fight-or-flight response
- Leads to anxiety, hyperactivity, and sensitivity to light and sound
- Can result in difficulty filtering out distractions in a classroom setting
2. Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)
- Affects hand-eye coordination, making writing and reading difficult
- Causes letter reversals (b/d, p/q) and trouble copying from a board
- Leads to difficulty crossing the midline of the body, impacting coordination
3. Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)
- Affects posture and sitting still in a chair
- Can lead to difficulty focusing on written work
- Often results in poor handwriting and struggles with reading fluency
4. Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)
- Disrupts balance and spatial awareness
- Causes difficulty with following multi-step instructions
- Leads to challenges in sports and physical coordination
5. Spinal Galant Reflex
- Contributes to fidgeting and difficulty sitting still
- Can cause bedwetting beyond the typical age
- Makes it hard to concentrate for long periods
How to Help Integrate Retained Reflexes
The good news is that retained reflexes can be integrated at any age with targeted movement exercises. Blomberg Rhythmic Movement Training (BRMT) is a gentle, movement-based approach that mimics natural infant movements to help the brain and body reconnect.
Steps to Get Started
- Identify Retained Reflexes – A professional trained in reflex integration can assess which reflexes are still active.
- Practice Gentle Rhythmic Movements – Daily exercises that stimulate the nervous system can help integrate these reflexes over time.
- Encourage Play-Based Movement – Activities like crawling, rolling, and balancing can naturally support reflex integration.
- Reduce Stressors – A calm environment, proper nutrition, and emotional support can enhance the effectiveness of movement-based exercises.
Why Addressing Retained Reflexes Matters
By integrating retained reflexes, children often experience:
- Improved focus and attention
- Better reading and writing skills
- Enhanced coordination and motor control
- Reduced anxiety and emotional outbursts
- Greater confidence and ease in learning
Many parents and educators are unaware of how primitive reflexes impact learning. Recognizing and addressing them can unlock a child’s full potential—without the need for medication or excessive academic pressure.
If your child struggles with learning, behaviour, or coordination, consider exploring reflex integration. The right movements can create lasting changes, helping your child thrive in both school and life.
How Blomberg Rhythmic Movement Training works to integrate retained reflexes