Understanding Primitive Reflexes: Why Your Child's Development Matters
As a mum and chiropractor with advanced training in paediatric development, I often see children in my Palmwoods clinic whose learning, behaviour, or coordination challenges stem from something many parents have never heard of: retained primitive reflexes.
If your child struggles with reading, has difficulty sitting still, or seems clumsy despite being otherwise healthy, retained primitive reflexes might be the missing piece of the puzzle.
What Are Primitive Reflexes?
Primitive reflexes are automatic movement patterns that develop in the womb and during the first year of life. These reflexes help babies survive and develop, but they're meant to be "integrated" (switched off) as the nervous system matures and higher brain functions take over.
Think of them as training wheels for your child's developing nervous system. Just as you'd remove training wheels once your child can balance independently, primitive reflexes should naturally fade as more sophisticated movement patterns develop.
Common Primitive Reflexes and Their Signs When Retained
Moro Reflex (Startle Reflex) When retained, children may be hypersensitive to sudden movements, sounds, or changes. They might seem anxious, have difficulty with transitions, or be easily overwhelmed in busy environments.
ATNR (Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex) Children with retained ATNR often struggle with crossing the midline of their body, which can affect reading, writing, and sports. They might turn their whole body instead of just their head when looking to the side.
STNR (Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex) This can cause children to "W-sit" or have difficulty maintaining good posture at a desk. Some children may also toe-walk or have trouble with activities requiring coordination between upper and lower body.
Palmar Grasp Reflex When retained, this can affect fine motor skills like pencil grip, handwriting, and manual dexterity tasks that require precise finger movements.
Galant Reflex Children with retained Galant reflex may fidget constantly, have difficulty sitting still, or experience bedwetting beyond the typical age.
How Do Primitive Reflexes Become Retained?
Several factors can contribute to primitive reflex retention:
Birth complications or interventions
Limited tummy time as babies
Skipping developmental stages (like crawling)
Early or prolonged illness
Stress during critical development periods
Nervous system dysfunction
Signs Your Child Might Have Retained Primitive Reflexes
Academic Challenges:
Difficulty with reading or writing
Problems crossing the midline when writing
Challenges with maths concepts
Poor concentration or attention
Physical Signs:
Clumsiness or poor coordination
Difficulty with sports or physical activities
Poor posture or "W-sitting"
Toe-walking beyond age 2-3
Behavioural Indicators:
Hypersensitivity to light, sound, or touch
Difficulty with transitions or changes
Emotional outbursts or meltdowns
Sleep disturbances
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
At Vitalia Health Chiropractic, I use gentle, specific techniques to support nervous system function and help integrate retained primitive reflexes. My approach includes:
Neurological Assessment: Comprehensive testing to identify which reflexes may be retained and how they're affecting your child's development.
Gentle Chiropractic Adjustments: Using extremely light pressure (often no more than the weight of a coin), I help restore proper nervous system communication.
Specific Integration Exercises: Tailored movements and activities that help the nervous system mature and integrate these reflexes naturally.
Developmental Support: Guidance on activities and exercises you can do at home to support your child's continued development.
What to Expect
Many parents notice improvements in their child's behaviour, coordination, and learning within weeks of beginning care. However, every child is unique, and the timeline for integration varies based on:
Which reflexes are retained
How long they've been retained
Your child's overall nervous system health
Consistency with recommended exercises
Supporting Families Across the Sunshine Coast
Located in the heart of Palmwoods and easily accessible from Woombye, Nambour, Montville, and surrounding areas, our clinic provides a calm, child-friendly environment where families can access advanced paediatric chiropractic care.
With my ongoing training through Elevate Paediatrics and PXDocs, I stay current with the latest research and techniques in primitive reflex integration and neurological development.
Is your child struggling with learning, behaviour, or coordination issues? Contact Vitalia Health Chiropractic today to learn how primitive reflex assessment and gentle chiropractic care can support your child's optimal development.
