Sometimes the behaviors we see every day may be connected to developmental patterns that began much earlier in life. Here are some examples of how retained or less-integrated primary reflex patterns present themselves in behavior:

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Do you see heightened emotional reactions, anxiety, sensitivity to sound, being easily startled, or difficulty settling after becoming upset?
These patterns may be associated with a retained Moro Reflex. The Moro Reflex is an important early survival response that supports a newborn’s adaptation immediately after birth and helps them respond and communicate when something in their environment requires attention. As the nervous system develops, this reflex is expected to become integrated. When the pattern remains highly active, it may contribute to an individual responding to everyday situations as though they are more threatening or overwhelming than they actually are.

 

Does your child freeze, withdraw, become extremely shy or fearful, avoid unfamiliar situations, or seem overwhelmed by change?
These patterns may be associated with a retained Fear Paralysis Reflex (FPR). This early protective response involves freezing in response to perceived threat. When aspects of this response remain overly active, an individual may have difficulty moving from a protective “freeze” response into a more flexible and adaptive response.

 

Do you notice difficulty with handwriting, reading or visual tracking, crossing the midline, hand-eye coordination, or activities requiring both sides of the body to work together?
These challenges may be associated with a retained Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR). This early reflex supports movement and coordination during infancy and contributes to the development of early hand-eye patterns. When it remains less integrated, turning the head may continue to influence movement through the arms and body, potentially making coordinated tasks more effortful.

 

Does your child constantly shift position, slump at a desk, wrap their legs around a chair, struggle to sit comfortably, or find desk work particularly tiring?
These patterns may be associated with a retained Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR). The STNR plays a role in the developmental transition toward crawling and helps establish coordinated movement between the upper and lower body. When it remains less integrated, maintaining an efficient seated posture and coordinating the upper and lower body may require additional effort.

 

Do you notice poor balance, awkward or hesitant movement, difficulty with coordination, poor posture, or discomfort with activities involving changes in head or body position?
These patterns may be associated with a retained Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR). This early reflex is closely connected with head position, gravity, muscle tone, and movement. When less integrated, it may be associated with challenges involving balance, posture, spatial orientation, and coordinated movement.

 

Is sitting still difficult? Do you notice constant fidgeting, sensitivity around the waist or lower back, discomfort with certain clothing, or difficulty maintaining attention while seated?
These patterns may be associated with a retained Spinal Galant Reflex. This reflex is activated by stimulation along the side of an infant’s lower back and plays a role during early development. When the response remains overly active, pressure from a chair, waistband, or clothing may potentially contribute to movement or discomfort.

 

Does handwriting seem unusually difficult or tiring? Is pencil grip very tight, fine motor coordination challenging, or are tasks involving buttons, utensils, or manipulating small objects harder than expected?
These patterns may be associated with a retained Palmar Grasp Reflex. Grasping is an important early reflex that supports the development of the hands and early interaction with the environment. As voluntary hand control develops, the reflexive grasp response normally becomes integrated. When it remains less integrated, fine motor tasks may require additional effort.