Primitive Reflex Integration
Welcome
We provide support to children and adults with a formal diagnosis of neurodivergence, those who are self-identified, and individuals who believe this therapeutic approach may be of benefit. Neurodevelopmental delay can present with a wide spectrum of features, ranging from subtle to significantly impairing. These may include difficulties with emotional regulation, anxiety, disordered sleep, obsessive–compulsive behaviours, and other associated challenges.
Neuro developmental delay refers to an immaturity in the functioning of the central nervous system, often indicated by the persistence of primitive reflexes. Primitive reflexes are automatic, involuntary movements that develop in the womb. They play a vital role in the birthing process and support survival and early development during the first year of life.
Under typical development, these reflexes are naturally inhibited (or “switched off”) by around 12 months of age. When they remain active beyond this stage, they can interfere with the normal maturation of the nervous system. As a result, individuals may experience a range of challenges.
What are the reflexes?
1. Rooting Reflex
• Normal function: Helps infant find breast/bottle for feeding.
• If retained: Oral sensitivity, messy eating, speech/articulation problems, poor focus, excessive chewing/drooling.
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2. Suck–Swallow Reflex
• Normal function: Coordinates feeding in infancy.
• If retained: Speech delays, difficulty chewing/swallowing solid foods, poor breath control during speaking.
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3. Moro Reflex (Startle Reflex)
• Normal function: Alerts infant to danger (arms fling out, then in).
• If retained:
• Anxiety, emotional outbursts
• Poor impulse control
• Motion sickness, balance issues
• Sensory sensitivities (sound, light, touch)
• Poor attention & focus (easily distracted).
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4. Palmar Grasp Reflex
• Normal function: Infant grasps finger/object placed in palm.
• If retained:
• Poor fine motor skills (writing, using scissors)
• Pencil grip problems
• Hand fatigue
• Difficulty with manual dexterity.
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5. Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)
• Normal function: When infant turns head, same-side arm extends, opposite arm bends (“fencer’s pose”).
• If retained:
• Difficulty crossing midline (affects reading/writing)
• Poor hand–eye coordination
• Mixed dominance or poor handwriting
• Challenges in sports requiring bilateral movement (e.g., swimming, catching a ball).
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6. Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)
• Normal function: Prepares infant for crawling (when head flexes, arms bend/legs straighten; when head extends, arms straighten/legs bend).
• If retained:
• Poor posture, slouching at desk
• Difficulty sitting still, often “W-sits”
• Challenges with swimming, ball games, reading/writing
• Clumsiness with transitions (floor to stand).
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7. Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)
• Normal function: Helps infant develop head and neck control (flexion when lying forward, extension when lying back).
• If retained:
• Poor balance and coordination
• Toe-walking
• Difficulty judging space, depth, and distance
• Weak muscle tone or posture.
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8. Spinal Galant Reflex
• Normal function: Stroking along infant’s spine makes hips move to that side.
• If retained:
• Bedwetting beyond age 5–7
• Fidgeting in chair (constant squirming)
• Poor focus (clothes irritating back)
• Postural asymmetry, scoliosis risk.
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9. Babinski Reflex
• Normal function: Stroking sole makes toes fan out (normal in infants).
• If retained beyond ~2 years:
• Sign of neurological immaturity or upper motor neuron issues
• May affect walking patterns, balance, and coordination.