Retained Primitive Reflexes in Children: Signs, Development, and What Parents Should Know
Learn the signs of retained primitive reflexes in children, how they affect development, and when to consider a primitive reflex assessment for clarity and next steps.
Updated: April 2026
Reading time: 5 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Primitive reflexes are automatic movements that should integrate within the first year as the nervous system matures.
- When retained, these reflexes can impact coordination, behavior, sensory processing, and learning.
- A primitive reflex assessment can help determine whether underlying neurological patterns are contributing and guide next steps.
What Are Primitive Reflexes?
Primitive reflexes are automatic, involuntary movements originating in the brainstem, present at birth or infancy to ensure survival and facilitate motor development.
These reflexes typically integrate (disappear or become voluntary) within the first 6–12 months as the brain matures.
This transition is a key part of normal neurological development—one that sets the foundation for coordination, learning, and behavior throughout childhood.
When Should Primitive Reflexes Integrate?
Primitive reflexes follow a predictable developmental timeline. Most reflexes integrate within the first year of life
Some, like the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR), may persist longer (up to ~3.5 years). Integration reflects maturation of the central nervous system
As reflexes integrate:
Movement
Becomes more coordinated
Balance
Posture improves significantly
Control
Voluntary replaces automatic
When this process does not occur as expected, these reflexes may remain active and begin to influence development in less obvious ways. These are known as retained primitive reflexes.
What Are Retained Primitive Reflexes?
Retained primitive reflexes are involuntary, automatic newborn movements that fail to disappear after the first 5-7 months of life, often causing sensory, motor, and cognitive developmental delays.
Instead of being inhibited by higher brain function, they remain active and interfere with normal development.
~65%
of preschool children
may exhibit retained reflexes at some level
Research Insight
Higher levels of retention are associated with lower motor efficiency and coordination, with impacts spanning multiple developmental domains.
Why Do Retained Primitive Reflexes Matter?
When primitive reflexes remain active, they can interfere with multiple areas of development.
These patterns are often not isolated. They may reflect underlying neurological immaturity rather than unrelated issues.
Motor Development
- Poor coordination
- Balance difficulties
Sensory Processing
- Oversensitivity to sound, touch, or movement
- Difficulty processing sensory input
Cognitive & Behavioral Function
- Difficulty focusing and learning
- Impulse control challenges
Regulation & Physiology
- Sleep disruptions
- Inconsistent energy levels
Common Causes of Retained Primitive Reflexes
Retained primitive reflexes are typically not caused by a single factor, but rather a combination of developmental, environmental, and neurological influences.
Birth Trauma & Method
Traumatic births or deliveries by cesarean section (which may skip the natural physiological compression of vaginal birth) can impact neurological development.
Limited Movement Opportunities
Insufficient tummy time, or excessive time spent in car seats, strollers, walkers, or jumpers limits an infant’s ability to develop necessary motor skills and move through developmental milestones like crawling.
Pregnancy Stress
High stress, trauma, or illnesses experienced by the mother or baby during pregnancy can impact neurological development.
Neurological Disruptions
Chronic stress, illness, or injuries can cause reflex reoccurrence or prevent their natural integration.
Developmental Delays
Missed or limited developmental stages, particularly crawling, can lead to the retention of these reflexes.
The 9 Types of Primitive Reflexes
Each reflex serves a specific purpose in early development. Understanding when and how they should integrate helps identify when professional support may be beneficial.
◔ 2–4 months
Moro Reflex
A primitive fight-or-flight response triggered by sudden movement,
noise, or changes in position.
- Hypersensitivity to sensory input
- Poor impulse control & emotional reactivity
- Balance issues, motion sensitivity
- Difficulty maintaining attention
◔ 3–4 months
Rooting Reflex
Helps infants locate food by turning toward touch on the cheek and opening the mouth.
- Feeding difficulties & selective eating
- Speech articulation issues
- Thumb sucking behaviors
- Oral motor development delays
◑ 5–6 months
Palmar Grasp Reflex
Causes an infant’s fingers to automatically close when the palm is stimulated.
- Poor hand control & reduced dexterity
- Difficulty with writing tasks
- Tongue protrusion during focused tasks
- Reduced fine motor development
◕ 9–12 months
Plantar Grasp Reflex
Occurs when pressure on the sole causes the toes to curl, normally integrating as walking develops.
- Balance and gait instability
- Difficulty with coordinated lower-body movement
- Postural challenges during standing
◑ 6 months
Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)
Activated when an infant turns their head, causing one side of the body to extend while the other flexes.
- Poor hand-eye coordination
- Difficulty crossing the midline
- Visual tracking challenges
- Impacts reading & writing skills
◕ 3–9 months
Spinal Galant Reflex
Triggered by stimulation along the spine, causing the body to curve toward the stimulus.
- Poor posture & reduced core stability
- Fidgeting & difficulty sitting still
- Attention challenges
- Commonly associated with bedwetting
● ~3–3.5 years
Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)
Involved in developing posture, muscle tone, and spatial awareness, responding to head position relative to gravity.
- Poor balance & muscle tone irregularities
- Motion sensitivity
- Challenges with coordinated movement
- Spatial orientation difficulties
◑ ~1 year
Landau Reflex
Emerges around 3–4 months and supports postural development by encouraging extension of the head and trunk.
- Delayed motor development
- Poor posture
- Reduced muscular coordination
◕ 9–11 months
Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)
Supports the transition to crawling and coordinated movement between the upper and lower body.
- Poor posture & difficulty sitting still
- Challenges with coordination
- Concentration difficulties
- W-sitting posture preference
How Chiropractic Care Promotes Reflex Integration
Retained primitive reflexes can subtly disrupt a child’s movement, behavior, and focus. Because these patterns often become more impactful over time, early identification is key to better long-term outcomes.
If a child struggles with coordination, sensory sensitivities, or regulation, a reflex assessment can determine if retained reflexes are the root cause. From there, targeted strategies—such as movement exercises and chiropractic care—can optimize brain-body communication and support neurological development.
Instead of “waiting and seeing,” an assessment provides parents with a structured roadmap and a clear path forward.
Trusted by 2,500+ local families
$100 Pediatric Assessment
If your child struggles with coordination, attention, or regulation and you’re unsure why, exploring reflex retention may help provide the clarity needed to understand what’s driving those patterns and what to do next.
- Comprehensive health history intake
- InSight Neuro Scans
- Reflex testing through gentle movement patterns
- Custom plan of adjustments, home exercises & therapeutic activities
FAQs About Retained Primitive Reflexes
What are the key primitive reflexes in infants?
The key primitive reflexes include the Moro (startle) reflex, rooting reflex, palmar and plantar grasp reflexes, Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR), Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR), Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR), spinal galant reflex, and Landau reflex.
Each plays a role in early survival, movement, and neurological development, and should integrate as the child’s nervous system matures.
Are retained primitive reflexes common?
Research suggests that retained primitive reflexes may be more common than expected, with studies showing that a significant percentage of preschool children exhibit some level of retained reflex activity.
What are the signs of retained primitive reflexes in toddlers?
Common signs include poor coordination, balance difficulties, sensory sensitivities, trouble focusing, fidgeting, delayed motor skills, and emotional reactivity. These patterns often appear across multiple areas rather than as a single isolated issue.
At what age should primitive reflexes disappear?
Most primitive reflexes integrate within the first year of life, typically between 3 to 12 months. However, some reflexes, such as the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR), may persist longer and integrate closer to 3 to 3.5 years as the nervous system continues to develop.
Can retained primitive reflexes affect behavior and learning?
Yes. Retained primitive reflexes can interfere with the development of higher-level brain functions, which may impact attention, emotional regulation, coordination, and academic skills such as reading and writing.
How do primitive reflexes affect the nervous system?
Primitive reflexes originate in the brainstem and are meant to be replaced by more advanced, voluntary movement patterns as the brain matures. If they remain active, they can interfere with communication between different parts of the brain, affecting motor control, sensory processing, and overall development.
Can primitive reflexes come back later in life?
In some cases, primitive reflexes can reappear due to neurological stress, injury, or dysfunction. This is less common in children but highlights the connection between reflex activity and nervous system health.
How are retained primitive reflexes tested?
Retained primitive reflexes are assessed through specific movement-based evaluations that observe how a child responds to certain positions or stimuli. These tests are non-invasive and help determine whether reflexes are still active and to what degree.
What should I do if I think my child has retained primitive reflexes?
If multiple signs are present or patterns persist over time, a professional assessment can help determine whether retained reflexes are contributing to your child’s development. This provides a clear starting point for understanding what’s happening and what steps to take next.
About The Author
Dr. Megan Socha, D.C.
Webster Certified • Pediatric Specialist
13+ Years of Experience
Dr. Socha has been a trusted chiropractor in Louisville KY since 2013, helping over 8,000 patients achieve natural pain relief and optimal wellness.
Her passion for helping families stems from her own experience with chiropractic care through infancy, teen years, and even adult life.
Education & Certifications:
- Doctor of Chiropractic, Sherman College of Chiropractic
- Webster Technique Certification – ICPA Member
- Thompson & Activator Technique Certified
- 200+ Hours Continuing Education
