What are Primitive Reflexes?

Primitive reflexes are involuntary movement patterns initiated in the brainstem that help an infant survive and develop after birth. These reflexes elicit movements controlled by the brainstem that impact head righting, tone, and postural control, regardless of cortical brain development. Developmentally primitive reflexes appear in vitro and should be dormant by approximately 12 months of age. As a child develops typically, more mature postural reflexes emerge to aid in the development of necessary mature motor skills.

Why do they remain active?

The presence of primitive reflexes in children beyond the expected age of integration indicates immature central nervous system development. Delayed reflex integration may be due to a response to trauma at birth or after, too much time in seaters and swings, lack of tummy time, or c-section, etc. Additionally, these delays could be part of other disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), sensory processing disorder (SPD), autism, or learning disabilities (LD).

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