When Primitive Reflexes Do Not Integrate

If a reflex remains active beyond the first year, it is known as a retained reflex. Retained primitive reflexes can affect how Baby’s brain organizes movement, focus, and learning. Because the nervous system is still responding automatically, children may struggle to sit still, read comfortably, or coordinate fine-motor tasks.

Some common signs that primitive reflexes may still be active include:

Learning and Attention

• Difficulty sitting still or concentrating

• Learning challenges with reading or math

• Right/left confusion or mixing up b’s and d’s

• Decreased concentration or attention span

Movement and Coordination

• Tight pencil grip or poor handwriting

• Clumsiness or frequent tripping

• Toe walking or awkward gait patterns

• Poor posture or muscle tone

• Motion sickness or fear of movement

Sensory and Emotional Signs

• Sensitivity to touch or certain textures

• Bed wetting beyond age five

• Anxiety, nervousness, or mood swings

• Trouble calming down or controlling impulses

Other Common Signs

• Thumb sucking beyond 1½ years old

• Eating with hands instead of utensils

• Frequent ear infections or IBS over age four

• Headaches or fatigue

• Avoids walking on grass or uneven surfaces

These patterns do not mean that anything is wrong with your child — or with you. Both children and adults can have retained primitive reflexes if the nervous system did not fully integrate them during early development or if stress or injury reactivates them later in life.

These signs can indicate that the brain and body may need extra support to complete important movement and coordination pathways.

Gentle chiropractic care, along with consistent home movement activities, can help encourage natural reflex integration and support smoother, more efficient brain-body communication at any age.