Knowledge Base

What are the primitive reflexes?

Primitive reflexes are automatic, involuntary movements directed from the brainstem that are present at birth and typically fade as the nervous system matures during infancy. They are crucial for survival and early development. These reflexes are often used by doctors to assess neurological function in newborns.
These reflexes are typically inhibited as the brain matures, particularly with the development of the cerebral cortex. If they persist beyond expected ages, it can be a sign of neurological issues and may require further evaluation.

Why are these primitive reflexes important?

Primitive reflexes are important because they play a critical role in a baby’s early survival, development, and neurological health. Primitive reflexes are like the brain’s early operating system—automatic responses that keep the baby safe and help the brain build connections for more complex skills. They’re supposed to turn off as the brain matures, making room for higher-level learning and control.

Why is it a problem if these primitive reflexes are not integrated?

If primitive reflexes are not integrated (i.e., they persist beyond the expected age), it can indicate delayed neurological development and interfere with a child’s ability to learn, move, and function normally. The body is essentially stuck in survival mode, and this blocks the development of higher-level skills needed for learning, movement, and emotional control. If these primitive reflexes stay active beyond infancy, it’s like having background programs slowing down your mental and physical processing. Identifying and addressing these retained reflexes—often through movement-based therapies—can significantly help a child's growth and functioning. 

Why is it important to integrate primitive reflexes?

Integrating primitive reflexes is crucial for healthy brain development and for the smooth transition from automatic, survival-based responses to voluntary, purposeful movement and learning. Without integration, the nervous system may remain "stuck" in early survival patterns, limiting emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. Retained reflexes can cause clumsy movements, poor coordination, or delays in physical milestones. Unintegrated reflexes can cause challenges like skipping lines while reading, letter reversals, poor handwriting, and trouble sitting still in class. A retained Moro reflex, for example, can keep a child in a heightened stress state, making them hypersensitive to sound, light, or touch. Children who struggle with reflex-related issues often withdraw socially or feel "different." Integrating primitive reflexes unlocks the brain’s potential—it's like clearing out early software so the system can run efficiently. It allows children (and adults) to:

• Move with ease

• Learn with focus

• Regulate emotions

• Thrive socially and academically

What is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions affecting children. While many children occasionally exhibit behaviors such as restlessness, impulsivity, or difficulty focusing, those with ADHD display these symptoms at a significantly higher intensity than is typical for their age or developmental stage. These symptoms—categorized into inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity—often lead to meaningful impairment in daily functioning, including academic performance, social interactions, and family life. Importantly, these behaviors are not due to defiance or a lack of comprehension.

There are three primary presentations of ADHD:

• Predominantly Inattentive Presentation

• Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Presentation

• Combined Presentation

ADHD is a chronic, often debilitating condition that can persist into adulthood. When untreated, it may contribute to low self-esteem, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, and impaired social functioning. While it is more frequently diagnosed in boys—due to more overt hyperactive behaviors—girls often display less noticeable symptoms, such as inattentiveness, leading to potential underdiagnosis.

Prevalence estimates indicate that ADHD affects approximately 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults. Diagnosis often begins during the school years, as symptoms tend to interfere with academic and behavioral expectations. Though this overview focuses on children, ADHD in adults may present differently and requires distinct assessment approaches.

What is the Moro reflex?

The Moro reflex is an involuntary primitive reflex present at birth, typically elicited by sudden sensory stimuli such as a loud noise or a change in head position. It is characterized by symmetric abduction and extension of the arms, followed by adduction and flexion, often accompanied by crying. The reflex is a normal finding in neonates and generally integrates by 4 to 6 months of age. Persistence beyond this period may indicate neurological impairment.

Failure of the Moro reflex to integrate by 4 to 6 months of age may indicate delayed neurological development or dysfunction. Persistent Moro reflex is associated with poor motor coordination, hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli, emotional instability, and challenges with balance, posture, and attention regulation, potentially affecting academic and social functioning. 

What is the Spinal Galant Reflex?

The Spinal Galant Reflex (also known as truncal incurvation reflex) is a primitive reflex present at birth and typically integrates (disappears) between 3 to 9 months of age. It is triggered by tactile stimulation to the lumbar region — for example, stroking down one side of the spine while the infant is prone or in a quadruped position — causing lateral flexion of the trunk and hip movement away from the stimulus.

If the Spinal Galant Reflex remains active beyond infancy (i.e., retained/unintegrated), it can cause neurodevelopmental and functional challenges, especially because it disrupts motor control and sensory processing.

What is the Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)

Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) is a transitional brainstem reflex that plays a critical role in early motor development. It serves as a bridge between earlier reflexes and more advanced movement patterns, facilitating the transition from lying down to assuming a quadruped (hands-and-knees) position, which is a precursor to crawling and eventually walking.

STNR typically emerges between 6 to 9 months of age, following the integration of the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR), which generally occurs around 9 to 11 months. While STNR is essential for helping an infant achieve the hands-and-knees posture, its persistence beyond the appropriate developmental window can hinder crawling. This is because STNR links the movements of the neck, arms, and legs—movement in one part of the body automatically triggers changes in muscle tone in the other parts. As a result, if the reflex is retained, coordinated movement necessary for crawling becomes difficult or impossible.