What Parents Need To Know About Retained Primitive Reflexes
How Rhythmic Movement Training Can Support Healthy Development
As parents, we all want to understand how our child’s movement, behaviour, and learning connect to their brain development. One area that often sparks curiosity—and sometimes concern—is retained primitive reflexes. These are early movement patterns babies are born with, and in most children, they disappear as the brain matures. But when they don’t fully integrate, they can influence a child’s coordination, attention, and emotional regulation.
Let’s explore what retained reflexes are, why they matter, and how rhythmic movement training (RMT) and osteopathic care can help.
What Are Primitive Reflexes?
Primitive reflexes are automatic, instinctive movements present at birth. They help newborns with essential survival tasks such as feeding, breathing, and bonding.
Common examples include:
- Moro (startle) reflex: the arms fling outward when startled
- Rooting reflex: turning the head toward touch near the mouth to find the breast or bottle
- Tonic Neck reflex: turning the head causes the arm and leg on that side to straighten
As a baby’s brain and nervous system develop, these reflexes are gradually replaced by more mature, voluntary movements. This “integration” process typically happens within the first year of life.
What Does It Mean When Reflexes Are Retained?
Sometimes these early reflexes don’t switch off completely. When this happens, the child may continue to move—or respond to the world—as if those reflexes are still active.
This can subtly affect how the brain and body work together, influencing posture, balance, coordination, learning, and even emotions.
It’s important to remember: retained reflexes are not a sign of brain damage or poor parenting. They simply suggest that some areas of the nervous system may still be catching up in their development.
Common Signs of Retained Reflexes
While every child is unique, parents may notice signs such as:
- Frequent tripping or difficulty balancing
- Poor handwriting or pencil grip
- Trouble sitting still or focusing at school
- Emotional sensitivity, anxiety, or frustration
- Car sickness or motion sensitivity
- Reading, spelling, or maths challenges
- Toe-walking or slumped posture
How Rhythmic Movement Training (RMT) Can Help
Rhythmic Movement Training is a gentle, movement-based approach that uses slow, repetitive motions similar to those babies make in early development. These movements stimulate neural pathways in the brain and help complete the reflex integration process.
Research in neurodevelopment suggests that movement and sensory input play a vital role in building brain-body connections. By repeating specific patterns, RMT may help children:
- Improve balance, coordination, and spatial awareness
- Strengthen connections between the brainstem, cerebellum, and cortex
- Support focus and emotional regulation
- Enhance reading and learning readiness
RMT exercises are gentle, rhythmic, and often calming—children usually enjoy them and can practise at home for a few minutes each day.
What Does a Typical Program Look Like?
A rhythmic movement or reflex integration program usually includes:
- Assessment: Identifying which reflexes remain active and how they may affect movement, learning, or emotions.
- Individualised plan: Simple movements tailored to your child’s needs.
- Short daily practice: 5–10 minutes of home exercises, often guided by a parent.
- Review and progress: Adjustments over time as coordination and confidence improve.
How Osteopathy Can Support Reflex Integration
Gentle osteopathic treatment complements rhythmic movement training beautifully.
Through subtle hands-on techniques, osteopathy can:
- Release tension or restrictions that limit natural movement
- Support postural alignment and balance
- Enhance nervous system regulation and sensory integration
Together, these approaches can help children feel calmer, more coordinated, and more confident in their bodies.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
If your child struggles with coordination, focus, or learning despite effort and support, it may be worth exploring a reflex integration assessment. Early intervention can help smooth the path for physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
