Does My Child Have a Retained Reflex?
Signs, Symptoms, and What Parents Should Know
Have you ever wondered:
“Why is my child so impulsive?”
“Why do they seem clumsy or unaware of their body?”
“Why is sitting still so hard?”
“Why are handwriting and coordination still a struggle?”
You may have come across the term retained reflexes — but what does that actually mean?
At Strive Pediatrics, we frequently evaluate children who show signs of retained primitive reflexes. These reflexes can impact regulation, posture, coordination, and even emotional control.
Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense.
What Are Primitive Reflexes?
Primitive reflexes are automatic movement patterns babies are born with.
They help infants:
Survive
Feed
Develop early motor skills
Build foundational brain connections
Examples include:
Moro reflex (startle reflex)
ATNR (Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex)
STNR (Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex)
TLR (Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex)
These reflexes are meant to integrate (fade away) during the first year of life as higher-level brain systems take over.
When they don’t fully integrate, they can interfere with development.
What Is a Retained Reflex?
A retained reflex is a primitive reflex that remains active beyond the typical age of integration.
Instead of supporting development, it begins to interfere with:
Postural control
Bilateral coordination
Attention
Emotional regulation
Fine motor skills
Body awareness
It’s not something parents cause. It’s a nervous system pattern that simply needs support.
Common Signs of Retained Reflexes in School-Age Children
You might notice:
Poor posture or slouching
Difficulty sitting still
Impulsivity
Trouble with handwriting
Difficulty copying from the board
Clumsiness or frequent falling
Poor balance
Sensitivity to movement
Emotional overreactions
Difficulty crossing midline
Challenges with personal space
For example:
A retained STNR may contribute to:
Slumped sitting
Wiggling at the desk
Difficulty with crawling patterns
Trouble coordinating upper and lower body movements
A retained ATNR may impact:
Handwriting
Crossing midline
Bilateral coordination
These patterns are neurological — not behavioral choices.
Retained Reflexes and Emotional Regulation
Primitive reflexes are deeply connected to the nervous system.
If reflexes remain active, the body may stay in a more reactive state. This can look like:
Big reactions to small problems
Difficulty calming
Impulsivity
Poor frustration tolerance
When the body doesn’t feel stable, emotions often don’t either.
How Are Retained Reflexes Identified?
A pediatric occupational therapy evaluation may include:
Movement screening
Balance testing
Postural control assessment
Bilateral coordination tasks
Reflex integration screening
Functional observations (writing, play, regulation)
At Strive Pediatrics, we look at the whole child — not just one test result.
Reflex retention is evaluated in context of posture, regulation, sensory processing, and functional performance.
Can Retained Reflexes Be Integrated?
Yes.
Through targeted movement patterns and therapeutic activities, the nervous system can build new, more mature pathways.
Treatment may include:
Reflex integration exercises
Core strengthening
Bilateral coordination activities
Sensory regulation strategies
Postural control training
Executive functioning support
The goal is not to “fix” the child.
The goal is to support the nervous system so higher-level skills can develop more easily.
When Should You Seek an Evaluation?
Consider occupational therapy if your child:
Struggles significantly with attention or sitting
Has persistent coordination challenges
Experiences frequent emotional outbursts
Has ongoing handwriting difficulties
Seems impulsive beyond peers
Appears clumsy or unaware of their body
Early support can make a meaningful difference in both academic and emotional success.
The Bottom Line
Retained reflexes are not rare. They are not a parenting failure.
And they are not something children simply “grow out of” once they reach school age.
With the right support, children can build stronger body awareness, improved coordination, and better emotional regulation.
Sometimes what looks like behavior is actually neurology.
Written by: Dr. Marisa McDole
Ready to Learn More?
If you suspect your child may have retained primitive reflexes, our team at Strive Pediatrics can help evaluate underlying motor and nervous system patterns and create a plan tailored to your child’s needs.
Contact us today to schedule an occupational therapy evaluation.
