River winding through a forested mountain valley

Looking at the whole child

Primitive Reflex Assessment and Intervention

When They Stick Around

When early movement patterns persist beyond the expected period, they may be associated with challenges in development and daily participation. That does not tell us, by itself, why a child is having difficulty. A thoughtful evaluation looks at the broader picture.

Read the Parent Guide to Primitive Reflexes

Possible reasons to ask questions

Signs That May Be Worth a Closer Look

Balance, coordination or posture

Fine and gross motor skills

Body awareness and motor planning

Sitting still or keeping an upright seated posture

Attention and focus

Sensory processing and regulation

Emotional and behavioral regulation

Handwriting and other school tasks

Crossing midline or coordinating both sides of the body

Age-appropriate independence with daily activities

These signs do not necessarily mean a child has retained reflexes.

Many can have a variety of causes. A comprehensive occupational therapy evaluation helps look at the whole picture.

Parent and child arranging wooden blocks on the floor at home, with only their hands visible

Care with a purpose

How It Fits Into OT

When clinically appropriate, reflex assessment is part of the evaluation. Intervention may include developmentally appropriate movement activities alongside other occupational therapy approaches. Any work is tied to functional goals such as coordination, postural control, motor planning, regulation and participation in everyday life.

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