12 Primitive Reflexes Every Parent and Educator Should Know — And the Red Flags to Watch For
Have you ever worked with a child who struggles with coordination, focus, big emotions, or posture—despite lots of support and practice?
The missing link might be retained primitive reflexes—early movement patterns from infancy that should fade with development, but sometimes don’t. These retained reflexes can interfere with learning, behavior, and sensory processing, often in ways that are confusing or misunderstood.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through 12 key primitive reflexes, how each one shows up when retained, and the red flags that might indicate a child needs support. We’ll also share an all-in-one resource to help you turn that knowledge into playful, movement-based intervention.
What Are Primitive Reflexes?
Primitive reflexes are automatic movements present at birth that support a baby’s survival and early development. As the brain matures, these reflexes are supposed to integrate—meaning they no longer trigger automatically and are replaced by voluntary, controlled movement.
But when these reflexes remain active beyond infancy, they can interfere with motor skills, posture, attention, sensory processing, and regulation. This is where reflex integration becomes essential.
12 Common Primitive Reflexes and Their Red Flags
Here’s a breakdown of the most common reflexes—and what to look for if they haven’t integrated:
1. Moro Reflex (Startle Reflex)
Purpose: Survival/startle response to sudden change
Red Flags:
- Easily startled or overwhelmed by sound/light/movement
- Trouble calming after distress
- Constant hypervigilance or anxiety
- Emotional reactivity, meltdowns, or shutdowns
- Poor impulse control
2. ATNR – Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex
Purpose: Assists with birth and early hand-eye coordination
Red Flags:
- Difficulty crossing midline
- Poor handwriting or reading
- Body turns with head during movement or tracking
- Visual tracking difficulties
- One-sided use of hands
3. STNR – Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex
Purpose: Prepares baby to crawl
Red Flags:
- Poor sitting posture or “W-sitting”
- Difficulty copying from the board
- Slumped or “collapse” sitting
- Awkward transitions between sitting and standing
- Challenges with coordinated head and body movement
4. TLR – Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex
Purpose: Develops head control and balance
Red Flags:
- Poor balance and coordination
- Muscle tone that is too tight or too floppy
- Difficulty with spatial awareness
- Fear of movement or climbing
- Poor core strength
5. Palmar Reflex
Purpose: Grasping and hand development
Red Flags:
- Difficulty with fine motor skills
- Poor pencil grip or fatigue with writing
- Thumb tucked under fingers when writing
- Messy or disorganized work
6. Plantar Reflex
Purpose: Foot reflex related to balance and posture
Red Flags:
- Toe walking
- Avoids bare feet
- Poor arch development
- Difficulty with balance, hopping, or skipping
7. Babinski Reflex
Purpose: Helps stimulate movement in the foot
Red Flags:
- Balance issues
- Flat feet or high arches
- Difficulty with coordinated foot movement
- Sensitivity to shoes or textures on feet
8. Spinal Galant Reflex
Purpose: Assists with crawling and spinal movement
Red Flags:
- Constant fidgeting
- Bedwetting past typical age
- Sensitivity to clothing at waistline
- Trouble sitting still or staying in one spot
9. Rooting Reflex
Purpose: Helps infants locate food
Red Flags:
- Hypersensitivity around the mouth
- Drooling past toddler years
- Difficulty with speech sounds
- Avoidance of toothbrushing or eating certain textures
10. Suck Reflex
Purpose: Supports feeding and self-soothing
Red Flags:
- Oral fixation (e.g., chewing clothes, hands, pencils)
- Difficulty with speech articulation
- Messy eating or difficulty swallowing
- Poor oral-motor control
11. Landau Reflex
Purpose: Supports postural extension and body awareness
Red Flags:
- Poor posture
- Difficulty with head control
- Inability to maintain prone extension (“Superman” pose)
- Fatigue during gross motor tasks
12. Perez Reflex
Purpose: Response to touch along spine (supporting spinal development)
Red Flags:
- Overresponsive to back touch or clothing tags
- Challenges with attention and focus
- Spinal tension or rigidity
- Difficulty tolerating backpacks or seating positions
Why Reflexes Matter More Than You Think
Retained reflexes don’t just affect movement—they can influence a child’s behavior, attention, regulation, and confidence. Many children with anxiety, ADHD, sensory processing challenges, or learning differences have retained reflexes that are overlooked or misunderstood.
When we understand these patterns, we can meet children with empathy and give them tools to succeed through movement, not just discipline or academic strategies.
A Play-Based Solution: The Reflex Integration Bundle Toolkit
If you’re wondering “What do I do next?” — the Reflex Integration Bundle Toolkit has you covered. This all-in-one, child-centered reflex program is designed for real-life use by:
- ✅ Occupational therapists
- ✅ Educators
- ✅ Caregivers and parents
🎒 What’s Inside:
- ✅ 44 in-depth handouts covering each reflex and its impact on posture, emotions, and learning
- ✅ 12 themed exercise packets with 250+ fun, play-based movement activities
- ✅ Step-by-step black-and-white visuals that are easy to print, use, and adapt
- ✅ Sensory-friendly, regulation-focused strategies embedded throughout
- ✅ Visual supports for daily schedules and classroom use
- ✅ Written by an occupational therapist with real-world experience
Whether you’re a therapist building a home program, a teacher noticing movement challenges, or a parent seeking answers—this toolkit gives you everything you need to support kids with retained reflexes through play, trust, and movement.
👉 Discover the Reflex Integration Bundle Toolkit here.
Final Thoughts
When we spot the signs of retained reflexes early, we can offer kids the right supports before frustration, burnout, or academic delays set in. With a neuroaffirming, movement-based approach, reflex integration becomes an empowering journey—not a checklist.
Let’s move with children, not against them—and give their bodies the opportunity to do what they were designed to do.
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