“Every moment of a child’s early years shapes their brain, body, and future. The time to nurture their potential is now.”
What Are Primitive Reflexes?
Primitive reflexes are automatic movements present at birth that help a baby survive and develop. They are controlled by the brainstem and typically disappear as the higher brain centers mature, allowing voluntary movement, coordination, and learning to develop.
When primitive reflexes do not integrate properly, or persist beyond the expected age, they can affect balance, coordination, posture, attention, and learning. This is sometimes referred to as retained or persistent primitive reflexes.
Why They Matter
Primitive reflexes are essential in early development, but they need to fade at the right time.
If reflexes persist, a child or adult may experience challenges in movement, coordination, focus, or sensory processing.
Early identification allows interventions that support the nervous system and help the body learn to move and function more efficiently.
How Our Approach Is Different (Evidence‑Informed and Safety‑Centered)
At our clinic, we recognise that primitive reflexes provide important clues about nervous system development and motor patterns. Rather than claiming reflexes cause specific conditions, we use reflex screening as part of a comprehensive neurological and developmental assessment to understand how an individual’s nervous system is functioning. This means reflex findings are always considered alongside:
detailed history
movement and balance evaluation
neurodevelopmental screening
standard biomechanical and neurological examination
This approach meets core principles of evidence‑informed practice, where clinical experience is integrated with the best available research and the individual’s context and goals.
What the Evidence Shows
Research indicates that retained primitive reflexes are more commonly observed in populations with neurodevelopmental differences such as ADHD or learning challenges, though the presence of retained reflexes is not diagnostic on its own. PMC+1
Importantly, while primitive reflexes are clinically relevant as part of a developmental picture, the research base on reflex integration therapies is evolving and requires ongoing study. Reflex findings are not, in isolation, definitive evidence of neurological dysfunction, nor do specific reflex integration techniques have a large body of conclusive clinical trials yet.
What We Do to Help
Our care process for primitive reflex‑related findings includes:
Comprehensive assessment: We look at reflex patterns alongside posture, movement quality, balance, coordination, and functional performance.
Individualised strategy: Exercise‑based activities and movement patterns are prescribed to encourage the nervous system to develop more efficient motor control.
Functional neurology guidance: Evidence‑informed exercises and sensory‑motor activities support neural adaptation in a way that respects developmental science.
Collaborative care: If indicators suggest the need for allied health support (e.g., physiotherapy, occupational therapy), we work with families to ensure well‑rounded care.
Our Commitment to Evidence and Transparency
We use reflex screening as one piece of a holistic, evidence‑informed assessment, not as a standalone diagnosis.
We do not claim that retained primitive reflexes cause specific disorders, as this is not established by current research.
Functional neurology and reflex assessment are integrated safely and in context with clinical reasoning and client goals.
Your care plan is individualised and based on a combination of clinical findings, research evidence where available, and your unique presentation.
