A winding trail leading toward a sunlit mountain peak

A closer look

Primitive Reflexes: A Guide for Parents

Early movement

What Are Primitive Reflexes?

Primitive reflexes are automatic movement responses that are present early in a child’s development. They help support early movement, posture, and development as a baby learns to interact with their environment.

As the nervous system matures, these reflexes typically become less active, allowing more purposeful and controlled movement to develop. When reflex patterns remain active beyond the time they are typically expected to integrate, they may be associated with challenges in areas such as coordination, posture, attention, regulation, or handwriting.

At PEAK Therapy, we consider reflex patterns as one piece of the bigger picture when evaluating and supporting your child.

One Lens, Not an Answer

Research on retained reflexes in older children is still growing. A reflex pattern does not diagnose a condition or explain a child's challenges on its own.

We consider reflexes as one lens inside a full occupational therapy evaluation, alongside motor skills, sensory processing, daily routines, and what matters to your family. Reflex work is never a stand-alone fix.

Our approach

Inside the Evaluation

During the initial evaluation, we learn about your child’s strengths and the activities that feel hard. When clinically appropriate, we may assess early movement patterns as part of that broader look.

We have completed training in the Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI®) Method. We choose any activities after evaluating the child and explain to parents why they fit.

Primitive Reflex Assessment and Intervention