How Newborn Reflexes Could Be Stalling Your Kid’s Development Now
Every parent awaits their child’s early developmental milestones with a mix of excitement and anxiety. As little ones learn to pull up then walk, coo then gab, we look anxiously for where they “should” be often before we’ve fully celebrated where they are. But sometimes, children encounter challenges later on—difficulties with handwriting, focus, or coordination, for example—that leave parents puzzled.
What Are Primitive Reflexes?
Retained primitive reflexes are primitive reflexes that fail to diminish over those first few years of life. This can mean a halt in normal nervous system development, and the effects can make physical and cognitive maturation difficult for a child.
It’s not always intuitive to connect these present-day struggles with reflexes that were present in infancy. But there are reflexes, known as primitive reflexes, which are automatic movements babies are born with. These reflexes are designed to help them survive and develop in their early months. If you’ve ever witnessed an infant suddenly jump in their sleep or immediately suck on an offered finger, you’ve seen primitive reflexes in action. These movements are involuntary actions that manifest in babies during their early stages of development, and they function as a way to help them survive, eat, and even turn while they’re still in the womb.
As babies age out of their first year of life, primitive reflexes become suppressed by newer nervous system development and generally recede as motor skills become more fine-tuned. However, retained primitive reflexes are primitive reflexes that fail to diminish over those first few years of life. This can mean a halt in normal nervous system development, and the effects can make physical and cognitive maturation difficult for a child. They can manifest in surprising ways, creating challenges for kids and confusion for parents who are unaware of this connection.
Recognizing the Signs of Retained Reflexes
The symptoms of retained primitive reflexes can be vast, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for if you’re concerned about your child’s development. But rest assured that many children (some research suggests up to 60%!) retain a degree of their primitive reflexes. Once the symptoms are acknowledged, a handful of simple practices and at-home exercises can assist your child in learning important skills and growing out of their retained reflexes.
Take a look at the table below and see if you recognize any of these symptoms in your child.
Chart from OccupationalTherapy.com
Sound Familiar?
If any of this sounds familiar, know that you're not the only one, and we're here to help. There are simple activities and exercises that can make a big difference. Talking to one of our therapists—like an occupational therapist or physical therapist—is the best way to figure out what's going on and create a plan to help your child thrive.
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