The Hidden Link Between Speech Delays and Reflexes
How Reflexes Shape Communication
When a child struggles to communicate, it’s easy to assume it’s just a matter of learning to talk. But what if something deeper—something wired into their development from birth—was at play? Reflexes, the automatic movements babies make in their earliest months, are crucial for building the foundation of speech and language. If these reflexes aren’t fully integrated, they can create hidden roadblocks to communication. The good news? With the right therapies and exercises, many of these challenges can be addressed, helping kids find their voices with confidence.
Speech vs. Language: What’s the Difference?
Unlocking speech and language isn’t just about words—it’s about the body, the brain, and how they work together.
If your kiddo is having trouble with communication, the first step may be determining if they’re having trouble with their speech or language skills (or both).
Speech refers to how we physically produce sounds—how we move our mouths, tongues, and vocal cords to form words. This could be hindered by retained auditory reflexes, retained fine motor skills of the mouth, or even breathing issues that keep children from taking in the proper amount of air.
Language is the ability to understand and use words meaningfully, as well as being able to respond appropriately. Retained reflexes that have to do with balance and postural control may be at the root of language issues.
How Reflexes Influence Speech and Language Development
It’s possible to trace so many childhood language and speech challenges back to underdeveloped reflexes and the news is good…therapies, exercises, and even games can help hone a number of skills that many kids find difficult. The key often lies in recognizing what reflex (or reflexes) is delayed. Because there are around 70 primitive reflexes, it’s best to enlist the help of a trained therapist who can identify and treat possible delays. In the meantime, here’s a quick sketch of some of the most commonly retained reflexes:
The Moro Reflex
What It Is: Triggers a fight-or-flight response, leading to hypersensitivity to sound.
How it affects speech/language: Retention can cause auditory defensiveness, difficulty filtering background noise, and poor focus in noisy environments.
Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)
What It Is: Affects auditory localization (difficulty determining where sounds are coming from).
How it affects speech/language: Can interfere with crossing the midline, affecting bilateral auditory integration.
Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)
What It Is: Impacts postural control, which is linked to attention and auditory focus.
How it affects speech/language: If retained, children may struggle with sitting and listening for extended periods.
Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)
What It Is: Affects vestibular and auditory integration.
How it affects speech/language: Retention can cause difficulties with spatial awareness of sound and processing verbal instructions.
Spinal Galant Reflex
What It Is: Linked to sound-induced movement and auditory sensitivity.
How it affects speech/language: Retention can cause distraction from background noise and difficulty maintaining auditory attention.
Palmar and Babkin Reflexes
Influence oral-motor function, affecting speech and phonemic awareness (important for auditory discrimination).
Fear Paralysis Reflex (FPR)
Causes heightened stress responses to sound, making it difficult to process auditory information in a regulated way.
Unlocking Your Child’s Full Potential
Music and sound therapy help children train their ears and fine-tune their auditory processing, allowing them to integrate reflexes, work on motor skills, and even address bone conduction. The results of these therapies are often stunning. Addressing retained reflexes can not only help your child with their verbal communication and hearing skills, but can lengthen their attention spans, deepen their focus, and help with their reading and writing. When it comes to language and speech development, there’s a whole world of reflexes to learn about and integrate!
At Integrated Therapy Services, our trained therapists actually specialize in identifying and addressing retained reflexes to support speech and language development. Contact us to learn how we can help your child thrive!
Put It Into Practice
Feeling overwhelmed by your kiddo’s challenges?
Take heart! There are a host of treatments available, whether your child is in their toddler years, elementary school, or beyond. Finding the right support is crucial, so don’t hesitate to schedule therapeutic appointments. But also take care of yourself too. Give yourself time to properly understand your child’s unique development, integrate the right solutions, and celebrate all the victories. Give yourself time to rest, be creative, and process with your partner or trusted friend.
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