03/18/2026
Primitive reflexes are motor patterns that are elicited when a child experiences sensory input.
These reflexes start in the womb, and for most children they are fully mature and integrated around 3 years old.
Part of the job of these reflexes is to help create sensory-motor loops in the brain that lead to greater skill development.
But for some children, these reflexes "detour" from the typical pattern.
And when they do, they interfere with a child's ability to master some skills such as paying attention, moving the eyes together for reading, understanding what they hear, being able to coordinate their muscles to speak clearly and eat a variety of foods, control their bowel & bladder, and to understand what their body is feeling.
And they can contribute to a Sensory Processing Disorder.
If this sounds like your child, they may be struggling with Primitive Reflexes that have taken a "detour" in their development.
But there are things you can do to help them get back on the right track.
We have some tips for retained Primitive Reflexes in our free "Homeschool Without Meltdowns" guide.
You can download it now at www.senseablebrain.com/homeschool/
