Primitive Reflexes
Resources to help you understand the early movement patterns your child was born with, and how they can affect coordination, posture and focus if they stay active longer than expected.
What it is
Primitive reflexes are automatic movements babies are born with. They include things like the grasp that makes a newborn's hand close around a finger, or the startle response to a sudden noise or movement. These reflexes support early development, and as a child's nervous system matures, most of them are gradually integrated. This makes way for more mature, voluntary patterns of movement.
Why it matters
When one or more early reflexes stay active for longer than expected, the body may keep relying on these automatic patterns instead of moving on to more coordinated, voluntary control. This can show up as difficulty sitting still, an awkward pencil grip, trouble with balance, or extra effort needed for tasks that seem to come easily to other children. This is not about how hard a child is trying. It reflects what their nervous system is still working through.
How these resources help
Rather than focusing on behaviour alone, the resources on this page help you understand whether retained primitive reflexes may be part of the picture for your child. With that understanding, support at home and school can be more structured and better matched to what your child needs.
The Reflex Connection
The Reflex Connection is a structured program for parents who want a clear way to understand whether retained primitive reflexes could be part of the picture for their child. It is currently in development, and will bring together what we know about early reflex patterns into a step by step approach for home.
Looking for more personalised support?
If you would like individualised assessment and guidance for your child, Skill Sense® OT also offers telehealth occupational therapy services. An assessment is the starting point for tailored, one to one support.
Learn about OT servicesEvery child deserves to be understood.
Every parent deserves the tools to help.
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