As a naturopath, I often work with children who struggle with attention, anxiety, emotional regulation, sensory sensitivities, poor coordination, learning difficulties, or sleep disturbances. While nutrition, gut health and nervous system support form the foundation of my approach, another area I consider is whether retained primitive reflexes may be contributing to a child's challenges.
What are primitive reflexes?
Primitive reflexes are automatic movements that babies are born with. They help a newborn survive and support early brain development.
Some of the best-known primitive reflexes include:
- Moro (startle) Reflex
- Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)
- Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)
- Spinal Galant Reflex
- Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)
- Palmar Grasp Reflex
As a child develops during their first year of life, these reflexes are normally inhibited by the developing brain and replaced by more mature, voluntary movement patterns.
What happens when reflexes are retained?
Some children may continue to display primitive reflexes beyond infancy because certain areas of the brain mature at different rates. This uneven neurological development may contribute to differences in movement, sensory processing, behavior and learning.
A retained primitive reflex does not mean a child has a diagnosis, nor does it explain every symptom. Instead, it may be one piece of a much larger picture.
Signs that may suggest retained primitive reflexes
Every child is unique, but some commonly reported signs include:
- Poor concentration or attention
- Difficulty sitting still
- Anxiety or emotional dysregulation
- Poor balance or coordination
- Clumsiness
- Motion sickness
- Difficulty crossing the midline
- Poor handwriting
- Sensory sensitivities
- Delayed motor milestones
- Difficulty with reading or tracking across a page
- Poor posture
- Fidgeting or constantly changing position
- Sleep difficulties
A naturopathic perspective
As a naturopath, I never look at one issue in isolation.
If I suspect retained primitive reflexes may be contributing to a child's presentation, I will also investigate factors that influence healthy brain development and nervous system function, including:
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Gut health and digestion
- Sleep quality
- Mineral balance
- Chronic inflammation
- Environmental exposures
- Stress
- Overall nervous system resilience
Supporting these foundations may help optimise a child's ability to learn, regulate emotions and participate in therapies.
When appropriate, I also collaborate with other therapists, who have experience assessing and managing retained primitive reflexes.
Every child deserves an individualised approach
No two children are the same.
One child may benefit most from improving sleep and correcting nutritional deficiencies.
Another may need support with sensory processing, motor development or reflex integration alongside nutritional care.
The key is understanding the whole child rather than chasing individual symptoms.
That's why my consultations are designed to uncover the underlying factors contributing to your child's unique challenges and create a personalised plan that supports their health, development and wellbeing.
If you're wondering whether retained primitive reflexes, nutritional imbalances or other underlying factors could be affecting your child's development, I'd love to help.
Book a free discovery call, and together we can explore a personalised, evidence-informed plan to support your child's health and help them thrive.
