When Reflexes Don’t Fade: How Retained Primitive Reflexes Can Impact a Child’s Development

Most parents notice their baby’s reflexes early on such as the automatic movements like grasping a finger, turning their head to eat, or startling at a loud sound. These reactions are called primitive reflexes and are a normal and important part of early development. They help babies survive and support early brain and body growth.

As children grow, these reflexes are meant to fade around the first year of life as the brain matures and children gain better control over their movements. For some children, however, these reflexes do not fully go away. When this happens, they are called retained primitive reflexes and they can affect how a child functions in daily life.

Children with retained reflexes may seem clumsy, tire easily, have trouble sitting still, focusing, or managing emotions. For example, a retained startle reflex (often called the MORO reflex) can make a child feel constantly “on edge,” leading to an increase in anxiety, sensitivity to noise or light and difficulty handling changes or transitions. Another reflex, called the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR), can impact handwriting, reading, coordination between the two sides of the body, and the ability to sit upright and pay attention when sitting at a desk. Other retained reflexes may impact eye movements, balance, strength, and daily living skills like eating or getting dressed.

Because these challenges can look like attention, learning, or behavior concerns, retained reflexes are often overlooked. Many children are actually working much harder than their peers just to keep up, which can lead to frustration, fatigue, and lowered confidence.

This is where occupational therapy can help. Occupational therapists are trained to look at how a child’s body, brain, and movements work together. If retained reflexes are identified, therapists use simple, movement-based activities to help the nervous system develop more efficient and coordinated patterns.

The goal goes beyond improving movement and focuses on supporting meaningful participation. Supporting calmness, focus, and confidence across environments allows children to participate more fully in meaningful occupations. Understanding retained primitive reflexes can be an important step in supporting a child’s development. If you have concerns about your child’s primitive reflexes, we are here to help.