What Are Retained Primitive Reflexes, and Why Should Parents Care?

From the moment a baby is born, their nervous system begins the incredible process of development. One key part of this process involves primitive reflexes, automatic movements controlled by the brainstem that help babies survive and grow in the earliest stages of life. These reflexes, such as sucking, rooting, grasping, and the Moro (startle) reflex, are crucial during infancy. However, as a child matures, these reflexes are meant to disappear, or “integrate”, making way for more advanced motor skills and brain development.

But sometimes, these reflexes don’t fully integrate as expected. When they persist beyond the age they should naturally fade, they are known as retained primitive reflexes. This can interfere with a child’s ability to develop proper posture, balance, coordination, emotional regulation, and even focus. For example, a child with a retained Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) may struggle with activities we often take for granted, such as reading, writing, or crossing the mid-line. In the classroom or at home, this can look like fidgeting, clumsiness, anxiety, or difficulty sitting still and paying attention.

The good news? Chiropractic care can play a powerful role in supporting healthy neurological development and reflex integration. By gently correcting misalignments in the spine, particularly the upper neck, which is closely connected to the brainstem, chiropractic adjustments help improve communication between the brain and body. Pediatric chiropractors often pair adjustments with specific exercises that encourage the body to complete the integration of lingering reflexes. Think of it as helping the brain “complete the program” it started at birth. When these foundational patterns are addressed, children often experience better coordination, fewer behavioral struggles, and more ease in learning and movement.

If your child shows signs of developmental delays, sensory sensitivities, or learning challenges, it may be worth exploring whether retained primitive reflexes are a contributing factor.