Reading Time: 2 minutes

What Are Primitive Reflexes and Why Do They Matter for Sensory Integration?

Primitive reflexes—such as the Moro, ATNR, TLR, and Spinal Galant reflex—are automatic movements that emerge at birth and typically fade as the brain develops. When these reflexes remain active, they interfere with the brain’s ability to integrate sensory information, causing sensory overload, poor motor coordination, and emotional regulation challenges (brainconnextherapy.com).

Integration of these reflexes is foundational for developing balance, coordination, sensory regulation, and higher cognitive functions. When reflexes remain unintegrated, the brain is essentially stuck in survival mode—compromising learning and emotional resilience (brainconnextherapy.com).

How Retained Reflexes Disrupt Sensory Processing

Retained primitive reflexes can contribute to a wide range of sensory and neurodevelopmental difficulties:

  • Sensory processing challenges: Hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to touch, movement, or sound (blog.inthecortex.com).
  • Balance and coordination deficits: Poor postural control and clumsiness hinder physical tasks (moveplaythrive.com).
  • Emotional regulation issues: Heightened anxiety, impulsivity, and emotional overload are common when reflexes are unintegrated (moveplaythrive.com).
  • Academic and motor skill challenges: Fine motor delays, visual tracking problems, and impaired reading or writing abilities can result (moveplaythrive.com, blog.inthecortex.com).

The Neuroscience Behind Integration

Primitive reflexes are controlled by lower brain centers (brainstem and midbrain). As development progresses, higher centers (frontal lobe and cortex) should inhibit these reflexes to enable coordinated sensory processing and voluntary movement (Archetype Health). Sensory integration relies on efficient coupling between sensory input and motor response—something that remains hindered when reflexes are active (Wikipedia).

Signs That Sensory and Reflex Integration May Be Delayed

Be attuned to observable signs that may reflect retained primitive reflexes impacting sensory integration:

  • Overreaction to light, sound, or touch—or seeming “unresponsive.”
  • Difficulty with balance, frequent bumping or falling.
  • High distractibility, poor attention, or restlessness.
  • Emotional volatility—such as sudden meltdowns or fear responses.
  • Motor delays, poor handwriting, or visual tracking issues.
  • Skipped crawling or amended developmental milestones (blog.inthecortex.com, moveplaythrive.com, move2connect.com, blog.inthecortex.com).

Addressing the Core: How to Support Reflex Integration

Movement-Based Brain Reorganization

The brain’s plasticity allows integration of retained reflexes at any age. At In the Cortex, we use guided movement routines to replicate early developmental patterns—helping the nervous system mature and sensory processing improve (blog.inthecortex.com).

Evidence-Based Impact

Scientific studies report that integrating reflexes can significantly improve balance, motor skills, emotional regulation, and focus. The benefits encompass sensory-motor, cognitive, and emotional domains (moveplaythrive.com).

Daily Practices That Organize Nervous System

  • Rhythmic and reflex-based movements: Rolling, creeping, and crawling patterns to stimulate integration.
  • Sensory-rich “Heavy Work”: Wall push-ups, animal walks, carrying weight for proprioceptive regulation.
  • Sensory scheduling: Movement breaks and structured sensory input throughout the day prevent overwhelm.

How In the Cortex Supports Sensory & Reflex Integration

Our Brain Reorganization Program includes:

  • Screening for retained reflexes and sensory-motor gaps.
  • Tailored movement sequences to promote neural maturation.
  • Parent guidance and environmental strategies for daily support.

These steps aim to move your child’s nervous system from over-reactive or compensatory to regulated and integrated.

Related Articles You May Find Helpful

Retained primitive reflexes are more than developmental delays—they’re roadblocks to sensory integration and emotional resilience. The good news: with structured movement and neural reorganization, change is possible at any age.