Primitive Reflexes

Primitive reflexes are automatic movements that babies are born with to help them survive and grow during early development. For example, when you touch a baby’s cheek, they turn their head to look for a nipple — this is called the rooting reflex. These reflexes are normal in infants and usually fade away as a child’s brain matures, usually by the time they are about one year old. However, in some children, these reflexes don’t disappear when they should. This can affect how a child moves, learns, or behaves. For example, a retained reflex might make it hard for a child to sit still, concentrate, or write neatly. The Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology (INPP) is an organization that studies how these retained reflexes can affect development. They offer assessments and movement programs to help children overcome difficulties related to immature reflexes. INPP focuses on natural movements that can help the brain and body work better together. Understanding primitive reflexes can help parents recognize why their child may be struggling with certain tasks and explore ways to support them. If your child has learning, coordination, or behavioral challenges, checking for retained reflexes may be a helpful step in finding the right support.