What Are Primitive Reflexes?


Primitive reflexes are automatic movements that develop in the womb and during infancy. These reflexes are essential for survival, birth, and early development—but they are meant to fade as a child matures. When these reflexes remain active beyond infancy, they can interfere with a child’s motor skills, learning, behaviour, and emotional regulation.

Common Retained Reflexes Include:

* Moro Reflex: Often linked to hypersensitivity, emotional outbursts, and anxiety

* ATNR (Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex): Can affect reading, writing, and hand-eye coordination

* STNR (Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex): Associated with posture problems, difficulty sitting still, and poor handwriting

* Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR): May impact balance, spatial awareness, and muscle tone

* Spinal Galant Reflex: Often seen in children who are restless, ticklish, or struggle with bedwetting

What is Reflex Integration Therapy?


Reflex integration therapy is a neurodevelopmental approach that helps identify and integrate primitive reflexes that remain active beyond infancy. These reflexes can interfere with learning, behaviour, motor skills, and emotional regulation. By using a specific sequence of movements based on the INPP method, the therapy helps the brain and body develop stronger foundational skills.

What age is this therapy suitable for?


Typically, children from age 6 upwards benefit the most, but it can also help teenagers and even adults in some cases. If your child is younger, I’m happy to offer advice and screening to help you decide when to begin.

How do I know if my child has retained reflexes?


Common signs include:

* Poor balance or posture

* Clumsiness or coordination difficulties

* Reading or writing struggles

* Emotional outbursts or anxiety

* Restlessness or poor concentration

* Difficulty sitting still or fidgeting constantly

The full assessment will determine which, if any, reflexes are retained and how they may be impacting your child.

Does my child need a diagnosis to start therapy?


Not at all. While many children I work with have diagnoses such as ADHD, DCD, or sensory processing difficulties, reflex integration can be beneficial for any child showing signs of neurodevelopmental delay—even without a formal label.

How long does the therapy take?


It varies for each child, but most complete the programme in 14 to 18 months. Some may finish in less time, while others may need support for slightly longer. Consistency is key—daily movements and regular reviews lead to the best outcomes.

Is this a replacement for occupational therapy, speech therapy, or other interventions?


No—reflex integration can be a complementary approach. It often fills a missing developmental gap, which can enhance the results of other therapies. I’m happy to work alongside other professionals involved in your child’s care.

Is it hard to stick to the home programme?


The exercises are designed to take just 5–10 minutes a day, and I’ll guide you on how to fit them into daily routines. I also provide regular support to help you stay on track. Many parents find it’s a special bonding time with their child.

Can adults do reflex integration therapy?


While the method was developed primarily for children, many adults have benefitted—especially those with long-standing challenges such as anxiety, coordination issues, or trouble with concentration. Unfortunately, due to limited availability of appointment hours, I am not working with adults at this time. Get in touch if you’d like to be directed to another local practitioner who may be able to meet your needs.

What’s the first step?


Start with a questionnaire, followed by a free consultation. We’ll talk through your child’s needs, and I’ll help you decide if an assessment is the right next step.


What do I wear to my assessment/ appointments?

Loose fitting clothes such as joggers and t-shirts are perfect.

What are the reasons someone might have retained reflexes?

There are a number of reasons why a child might retain primitive reflexes beyond the typical developmental timeline. These reflexes are designed to be integrated naturally in the first year of life through movement, sensory input, and bonding experiences — but several factors can interrupt or delay this process, including:

Birth-related factors:

Caesarean birth (C-section)

Very fast or prolonged labour

Use of forceps or ventouse

Birth trauma or oxygen deprivation

Prenatal influences:

High maternal stress during pregnancy

Illness or complications during pregnancy

Limited foetal movement in utero

Postnatal and early life factors:

Premature birth

Extended stays in NICU or hospital

Limited tummy time or restricted movement in early infancy

Early use of walkers, bouncers, or lack of floor-based play

Sensory processing differences or developmental delays

Even children with no apparent complications at birth can still retain reflexes — every child is unique. That’s why a full neurodevelopmental assessment is so valuable in understanding the “why” behind behaviours or challenges.

Where can I find out more about retained reflexes?

There’s a growing body of information available for parents, educators, and professionals interested in the impact of primitive reflexes. Here’s a trusted reading list and some accessible online resources:

Recommended Books:

Attention, Balance and Coordination: The A.B.C. of Learning Success – Sally Goddard Blythe

The Well Balanced Child – Sally Goddard Blythe

Reflexes, Learning and Behavior – Sally Goddard Blythe

Disconnected Kids – Dr. Robert Melillo (Note: Some views are more controversial; best read alongside other resources)

The Rhythmic Movement Method – Harald Blomberg, MD

Helpful Blogs and Articles:

INPP Official Website – https://www.inpp.org.uk

Move Play Thrive – www.moveplaythrive.com

Brain Balance Blog – www.brainbalancecenters.com

Rhythmic Movement Training International – www.rmti.info

Podcasts and Interviews:

The Wired Child – Features interviews on neurodevelopment and movement

The Brain Coach Tips Podcast – By Jan Bedell

The Parenting in the Real World Podcast – Occasional episodes on child development and reflexes

Search YouTube for talks by Sally Goddard Blythe or Harald Blomberg for accessible lectures

What is the INPP?

INPP has pioneered research into the effects of neurological-motor immaturity on learning and behaviour.

Every child is born with a set of primitive reflexes (sometimes known as “survival reflexes”), which should be inhibited or controlled by a higher part of the brain during the first year of life.

Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, these reflexes persist beyond the first year of life and they can interfere with subsequent motor development, visual functioning needed for reading, hand-eye coordination needed for writing, and perceptual skills. They provide evidence of immaturity in the functioning of the central nervous system which can act as barriers to learning. They can also lead to behavioural problems such as concentration difficulties, poor impulse control, and under-achievement.

The INPP Method has been developed to identify underlying causes and to offer a completely drug-free and non-invasive treatment, which can help children overcome these problems and give them the tools with which to succeed.

Still Have Questions?
I’d love to hear from you.