A Glimpse Into Primitive Reflexes

What is a Primitive Reflex?

A primitive reflex is a motor response that will occur involuntarily as directed by the brainstem during infancy and early childhood. They are formed in utero and are necessary for survival and development during the early months of life, but following this period of life are meant to be integrated naturally through exposure to the environment, and no longer present after 1-2 years of age. As they are integrated, the body develops more mature movement patterns as it lays a foundation for coordination and cognitive development.

A common example of this is when a baby holds onto your finger and doesn’t let go, this is a primitive reflex. Once this is integrated during infancy, the child is then able to move toward the development of grasp patterns necessary to hold and manipulate items necessary for play, writing, and daily living skills. However, for some these reflexes stick around much longer than intended. While some people have retained primitive reflexes without interruption to their normal daily life, others can be impacted daily by the effects of having these reflexes longer than necessary.

When the primitive reflexes are not integrated or return following the time of integration, they can impact the ability to:

• Coordinate movements

• Respond to sensory input

• Attend to tasks

• Regulate emotions

• Participate socially

• Read & write

• Problem solve

Some Commonly Retained Primitive Reflexes

Moro “Startle” Reflex

When retained, this reflex can sometimes appear as:

• Hypersensitive to certain stimuli (light, sounds, etc.)

• Motion sickness

• Constant “fight or flight” state

• Poor impulse control

• Shyness and anxiety

• Emotional immaturity

• Poor balance

• Decreased eye contact

The likelihood of over-stimulation and a state of fight-or-flight can result in the over-activity of the Adrenal gland and may result in someone becoming more easily fatigued and experiencing difficulties with allergies, asthma, a depressed immune system, and chronic illnesses.

Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)

When retained, this reflex can sometimes appear as:

• Poor posture, low muscle tone

• Challenges with or an absence of crawling

• Toe walking

• Eye movement, spatial, and visual perceptual challenges

• Motion sickness

• Poor balance and coordination

• Auditory processing challenges

• Poor sequencing and timing skills

Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)

When retained, this reflex can sometimes appear as:

• Poor eye tracking

• Difficulty crossing midline

• Difficulty reading

• Poor handwriting and legibility

• ADHD characteristics

• Mixed laterality (using right and left hands interchangeably)

• Challenges with age-appropriate gross motor skills (catching a ball, skipping, etc.)

Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)

When retained, this reflex can sometimes appear as:

• Poor posture, low muscle tone

• Challenges with or an absence of crawling

• Poor depth perception

• Learning difficulties

• Difficulties adjusting focus from near to far

• “W” sitting position

• Poor hand-eye coordination

• ADHD characteristics

Spinal Galant Reflex

When retained, this reflex can sometimes appear as:

• Bedwetting past 5 or difficulty toilet training

• Fidgety or wiggly (especially when seated in a chair with a seat back)

• Tactile sensory sensitivities, particularly with tags and clothing

• Poor short-term memory

• Poor concentration

• ADHD characteristics

• Challenges with meeting developmental milestones

• Differences with gait and possible scoliosis