Retained Primitive Reflexes: A Hidden Key to Development
Many of the families who come to me have already tried a number of approaches. A child has been assessed, strategies have been put in place, and yet something still feels out of reach. What often proves to be a missing piece of the puzzle is something that begins in the very first weeks of life: Retained Primitive Reflexes.
In my work as a kinesiologist, identifying and integrating these reflexes has become one of the most transformative aspects of what I offer — with changes that can ripple across learning, movement, emotional wellbeing, and daily life.
Primitive (or primary) reflexes are the automatic, involuntary movements that newborns exhibit in response to stimuli. They are essential for survival and early brain development. As the nervous system matures, these reflexes are typically integrated — becoming dormant — around 12 months, with some completing integration closer to two or three years of age.
When reflexes remain active beyond this window, they are described as retained. Rather than fading into the background, they continue to influence the nervous system in ways that can disrupt development in subtle but significant ways.
Four Examples — and What Happens When They Stay
- Moro reflex — triggered by sudden sounds or movement. When retained, it can create a heightened stress response and difficulty with emotional regulation.
- ATNR — the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex, when retained, affects balance and coordination, showing up as difficulty in sports, handwriting, or crossing the midline.
- Fear Paralysis Reflex — one of the earliest reflexes to emerge in utero, it is our most primal freeze response. When retained, it can underlie chronic anxiety, social withdrawal, heightened fears, and a tendency to shut down under stress — often mistaken for shyness or avoidance.
- Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex — linked to head control, posture, and spatial awareness. When retained, it can result in poor muscle tone, motion sickness, clumsiness, and difficulty with tasks that require the head and body to work in coordination.
Signs That Reflexes May Not Be Fully Integrated
Retained reflexes can manifest in a wide range of ways. Some of the more common signs include:
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- ADHD / ADD
- Sensory processing disorder
- Learning disabilities
- Anxiety or depression
- Walking on tiptoes
- Fussy eating
- Over-clinginess
- Breath holding
- Sensitivity to touch
- Travel sickness
These challenges can persist into adolescence and adulthood, affecting academic performance, social interactions, emotional wellbeing, and quality of daily life.
It's Never Too Late to Address Them
The earlier the intervention, the better — but retained reflexes can be addressed at any age. Specific movement exercises and activities designed to replicate the developmental stages the body missed can encourage integration even in teens and adults.
It is important to hold realistic expectations: the underlying condition is not "reversed," but the nervous system can be supported in a meaningful way, often leading to noticeable improvements in focus, coordination, emotional resilience, and ease of daily life.
Where Kinesiology Comes In
Kinesiology offers a gentle and effective method for identifying which reflexes remain active and working with the body's central nervous system to support their integration. By engaging the body as a whole, rather than treating symptoms in isolation, kinesiology can complement other therapeutic approaches and offer an additional layer of support for children, teens, and adults navigating developmental challenges.
Sessions, including reflex integration work, can also be offered remotely — so support is available from the comfort of your own home, at a time that suits you, via phone or video call.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you can't find your question here, please don't hesitate to get in touch-
Reflex integration work is typically included as part of a kinesiology session, tailored to you or your child. You can find full session lengths and pricing here.
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Primitive reflexes are automatic, involuntary movements present from birth that typically integrate as the nervous system matures, usually by around 12 months to two or three years of age. When they remain active beyond this window, they're described as retained, and can continue to influence development in subtle but significant ways.
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No. While earlier intervention is ideal, retained reflexes can be addressed at any age — many teens and adults also benefit from this gentle, targeted support.
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This varies from person to person, depending on which reflexes are involved and how established the patterns are. I'll talk you through a realistic plan after your first session.
Kinesiology works best alongside other forms of support and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. If you have concerns about a child's development, please also consult your GP or healthcare team.