As an occupational therapist, one of the things I love to do is educate parents, caregivers, and educators about retained primitive reflexes—and more importantly, how to integrate them with the right exercises and interventions. Many children struggling with coordination, focus, handwriting, or even emotional regulation may actually have underlying retained primitive reflexes impacting their development.
A study in 2023 found that 89.5% of elementary-aged children, between the ages of 3-8 years old, exhibited at least one retained reflex, with the Moro reflex (70.8%), Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) (78.3%), and Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) (67.5%) being the most commonly retained. These reflexes, which should integrate within the first year of life, can significantly impact a child’s ability to sit still in class, coordinate their movements, or even manage sensory input effectively. The good news? We can help integrate these reflexes! Through targeted exercises, movement-based interventions, and structured activities, we can support a child’s nervous system in maturing and developing more efficient motor patterns and new neural pathways.
When we address these foundational skills, we often see improvements in:
✅Focus and attention in the classroom
✅Posture and coordination for gross and fine motor tasks
✅Emotional regulation and sensory processing
✅Handwriting, reading, and learning readiness
I love sharing this knowledge because it empowers parents, educators, and caregivers to better understand the “why” behind certain challenges and equips them with strategies to help. When we work together to address retained reflexes, we are unlocking a child’s full potential—and that is why I love what I do.
PRO-TIPS: Connection Before Correction
Many children, especially with retained primitive reflexes, can struggle with emotional regulation. To show them love and help them change their behaviors, connecting before correcting is a necessary first step. What does that look like? Know how to self-regulate! Children will mirror their caregivers. When you are calm, they will also demonstrate increased calmness.
Below are some strategies to encourage emotional regulation skills:
✅ Breathing Together. One strategy to use with kids is to tell them, “Breathe in through your nose like you’re smelling flowers and out through your mouth like you’re blowing out birthday candles.”
✅ Deep Pressure. Bear hugs, gentle squeezes, and or using a weighted lap blanket.
✅ Rhythmic Movements. Have your child engage in gentle rocking motions or side-to-side swaying movements.
✅ Blowing/Sucking Activities. Blow bubbles, pinwheels, drink something thick like a milkshake through a straw.
You can also find further information on this topic by visiting kotfxbg.com, clicking
on the “Blog” tab, and searching for “Primitive Reflexes.”
If you suspect your child or student may have retained primitive reflexes, let’s talk!
Reference:
Fernández-Valdez, M., Jiménez-Pérez, H., & Fernández-Valdez, A. (2023). Prevalence of Active Primitive Reflexes and
Craniosacral Blocks in Healthy Children. National Library of Medicine. PMC10296916.