Many parents come to NeuroFiT Connections searching for answers.
Their child may struggle with:
Despite tutoring, therapy, accommodations, or other interventions, progress may be slower than expected.
In many cases, one important piece of the puzzle may be something called retained primitive reflexes.
Primitive reflexes play a critical role in early brain development. When they do not fully integrate as expected, they may continue to influence learning, movement, behavior, and neurological development long after infancy.
Understanding these reflexes can provide valuable insight into challenges that may otherwise seem unrelated.
Primitive reflexes help build the foundation for many higher-level skills.
These include:
When these reflexes remain active, the brain may need to devote additional energy to managing basic neurological functions.
As a result, skills involving focus, learning, organization, and self-regulation may become more difficult.
Every child is unique, but retained reflexes are often associated with challenges such as:
Children may:
Some children experience:
Signs may include:
Children may become:
Parents may notice:
These symptoms can occur for many reasons, but retained primitive reflexes may be one contributing factor.
Many children diagnosed with ADHD demonstrate signs of retained primitive reflexes.
Research has identified associations between certain retained reflexes and challenges involving:
While retained reflexes do not cause ADHD, they may contribute to some of the symptoms commonly associated with it.
This is one reason primitive reflex assessment is often included as part of a comprehensive neurological evaluation.
Retained primitive reflexes are also frequently observed in individuals on the autism spectrum.
These reflexes may influence:
Again, retained reflexes are not considered the cause of autism, but they may affect how the nervous system processes information and responds to the environment.
Reading requires efficient communication between multiple areas of the brain.
Retained primitive reflexes may interfere with skills such as:
When these foundational systems are compromised, reading and academic performance can become more challenging.
Many children struggling with dyslexia or learning disabilities demonstrate retained reflex patterns that may warrant further evaluation.
Often called the startle reflex.
When retained, it may be associated with:
When retained, ATNR may contribute to:
Retention may affect:
Retention may be associated with:
Retention may contribute to:
At NeuroFiT Connections, primitive reflexes are evaluated as part of a broader neurological assessment. We assess them by testing the desired reflex and looking for a reaction. For example, to test Spinal Galant, we run the blunt end of a paint brush on either side of the spine. If there is a reaction, the reflex is still present.
In addition to primitive reflexes, an assessment may include:
The goal is not simply to identify retained reflexes but to understand how they may be affecting overall neurological function.
The brain remains adaptable throughout life.
Through the principle of neuroplasticity, targeted activities may help strengthen neurological pathways and support more mature patterns of movement and function.
Programs designed to address retained primitive reflexes often include:
These activities are selected based on the individual’s assessment findings and developmental needs.
Primitive reflex assessment and integration are important components of the Melillo Method.
The Melillo Method recognizes that retained reflexes may be one sign of uneven neurological development.
Rather than focusing on reflexes in isolation, the method examines how they relate to:
This broader perspective helps create a more comprehensive understanding of an individual’s strengths and challenges.
If your child struggles with:
retained primitive reflexes may be worth investigating.
A comprehensive assessment can help determine whether these developmental patterns are contributing to your child’s challenges and identify opportunities for growth.
At NeuroFiT Connections, we help children and adults uncover the neurological factors that may be influencing learning, behavior, attention, and development.
Schedule an assessment to learn whether retained primitive reflexes may be playing a role and discover how a personalized, brain-based approach can support long-term success.
Contact NeuroFiT Connections today to schedule a comprehensive neurological assessment.
Primitive reflexes are automatic involuntary movements essential to a baby’s birth and survival in the first few weeks and months of life. They originate in the brainstem, the bottom stalk-like portion of the brain where the cerebellum connects with the spinal cord. These reflexes are normally quickly integrated as the higher centers of the brain develop and voluntary responses become dominant.
When a reflex is not integrated as expected, it inhibits part of the brain from developing normally, resulting in the disorders we know as Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and more. We
Research shows that ADHD is caused by the lack of maturation of the brain because of retained Primitive Reflexes. Further complicating the issue is the lack of physical movement of the body.
Research shows that Autism is caused by the lack of maturation of the brain because of retained Primitive Reflexes. Further complicating the issue is the lack of physical movement of the body. Other contributing factors may be early childhood trauma or a genetic predisposition to autism.
Yes. As Dr. Melillo often says, "reflexes don't integrate themselves". As a result, if a reflex isn't integrated through use, it will be retained. Additionally, trauma can bring reflexes back as their primary purpose is to keep us safe.
Reflexes are assessed by testing the desired reflex and looking for a reaction.
For example, to test Spinal Galant, we run the blunt end of a paint brush on either side of the spine. If there is a reaction, the reflex is still present.
To test the Rooting reflex, we run the other side of that same paintbrush from the bottom of the ear to the edge of the lips then across the lips. If there is a reaction, the reflex is still present.
Yes. There are several reflexes that impact reading, including ATNR, Babinski, and STNR.
It depends on the severity of the reflex. We rate them from 0 to 4, where 0 means the reflex is integrated and 4 indicates the reflex is severe. A severe reflex can take a few months of consistent work to integrate, where a less severe reflex may only take a few weeks.
The key to integration is to consistently perform the appropriate exercises.
The Moro reflex is part of the sympathetic nervous system and our freeze, fight or flight response to stimuli and stress. It helps to protect the baby by communicating the need for comfort and support.
The Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) is a primitive reflex present at birth that helps support early brain and motor development. When a baby turns their head to one side, the arm and leg on that side extend while the opposite arm and leg bend. This reflex typically integrates during infancy as the brain matures. If ATNR remains active beyond infancy, it may contribute to challenges with reading, handwriting, coordination, attention, and crossing the body's midline.
Yes. Through the brain's ability to adapt and change (known as neuroplasticity), targeted activities may help support the integration of retained primitive reflexes. Many programs use movement, balance, sensory, and coordination exercises designed to promote more mature neurological patterns and improve overall function. Results vary based on the individual and their specific developmental needs.
