Primitive reflexes are automatic movements developed in the womb and early infancy. As your child grows, these reflexes should naturally integrate into the nervous system — making way for more advanced motor, cognitive, and behavioural skills. But when these reflexes remain active (or “retained”), they can interfere with your child’s development. The good news? There are simple ways to check for signs of retained reflexes at home.
Rooting Reflex
Common Signs:
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Sensory seeking around the mouth or face
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Speech delays or impediments
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Constant mouthing of objects
At-Home Test: Using a clean paintbrush, electric toothbrush, or similar soft tool, gently stroke from the cheek down to the corner of your child’s mouth. Repeat on both sides.
What to Watch For:
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Head turning toward the stimulus
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Lips twitching or subtle smirks
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A searching motion with the mouth
If you notice any of these responses beyond infancy, it could indicate a retained rooting reflex.
Grasp Reflex
Common Signs:
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Difficulty holding a pencil or using cutlery
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Poor fine motor control
At-Home Test: With your child’s palm open, gently draw an “X” across the centre of their hand using the back of a paintbrush or similar object.
What to Watch For:
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Sudden or slow curling of the fingers
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Hand closing reflexively around the stimulus
This response suggests a retained palmar reflex, which can affect handwriting and fine motor tasks.
Plantar Reflex
Common Signs:
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Toe-walking
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Balance or coordination issues
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Delays in gross motor development
At-Home Test: With your child seated comfortably, use an electric toothbrush or the back of a paintbrush to stroke the outer edge of the foot upward toward the toes, then apply slight pressure at the base of the toes.
What to Watch For:
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Toes flaring or lifting upwards
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Reflexive movement of the foot
A retained plantar reflex can impact balance, walking patterns, and posture.
Spinal Galant Reflex
Common Signs:
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Difficulty sitting still
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Wiggling or squirming in seats
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Bedwetting past the age of 5
At-Home Test: Run a soft object from the base of your child’s ribs down to the top of their pelvis on each side of the spine.
What to Watch For:
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Hips twitching or turning toward the stimulus
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Any movement of the torso in response
This reflex can be closely tied to sensory sensitivity and toileting issues.
When to Seek Support
If your child shows signs of one or more retained reflexes during these tests — or if you’ve noticed persistent challenges with movement, behaviour, attention, or toilet training — it may be time to seek professional support. Retained reflexes can impact many areas of development and often benefit from early, targeted intervention.
Working with a practitioner who specialises in neurodevelopmental care can provide clarity, guidance, and personalised strategies to support your child’s growth. At Brain Hub Kids, our assessments are designed to explore these foundational aspects of your child’s development and create a pathway forward that’s tailored to their needs.
HOW BRAIN HUB KIDS CAN HELP
Primitive reflexes are a critical part of early brain and motor development, ensuring babies gain the essential skills they need for growth and learning. While they typically integrate within the first year of life, retained reflexes can impact movement, learning, and behaviour. Recognising the signs and addressing any lingering reflexes can help set the stage for better coordination, focus, and overall development.
If you’re curious about reflex integration or suspect your child may have retained reflexes, book a Get Started call with Dr Carlo Rinaudo today! Our team specialises in neurodevelopmental approaches to help individuals reach their full potential.