Primitive Reflexes

These movements are expressed both in utero and during infancy. As the child develops, the movement patterns become integrated and develop into higher-level movements. When one or more of the primitive reflexes are not integrated, their presence will impede further motor, cognitive, and sensory development.

Common sensory and behavioral challenges associated with retained primitive reflexes include:

- Impulsiveness

- Frequent mood changes

- Hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to touch, sounds, and smells, and

- Cause the child to be in a constant fight or flight state.

Motor challenges associated with primitive reflex retention include:

- Difficulty crossing midline

- Poor visual tracking while reading or writing

- Poor posture including W-sitting

- Weak muscle control

- Toe walking