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Understanding Reflex Integration in Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Did you know your child’s ability to focus, sit still, or coordinate their movements may be connected to reflexes developed before they were even born?
Primitive reflexes are automatic movement patterns that develop in utero and early infancy to support survival and neurological development. As a child grows and gains control over their body, these reflexes should naturally integrate—or “mature”—to make room for more advanced, intentional movement and thinking, but sometimes, reflexes don’t integrate as expected.
What Happens When Reflexes Don’t Integrate?
When primitive reflexes are retained, they can interfere with a child’s ability to function effectively in daily life. For example:
When primitive reflexes are retained, they can interfere with a child’s ability to function effectively in daily life. For example:
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The Moro reflex—our “startle” response—can trigger an overactive fight-or-flight system, leading to anxiety, poor self-regulation, or difficulty with concentration.
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The Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) can affect coordination, crossing midline, and visual tracking—skills needed for reading and writing.
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The Babinski reflex, if retained, may impact balance and walking patterns, leading to poor posture or motor coordination.
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The Spinal Galant reflex may contribute to bedwetting, fidgeting, or difficulty tolerating tight clothing.
Retained reflexes can impact both physical abilities and emotional well-being, especially under stress or during transitions. That’s why identifying and addressing these early neurological patterns is so critical.
How Occupational Therapy Helps
At Kinetic Edge, our pediatric occupational therapists are trained to identify retained reflexes and help children integrate them through targeted, play-based interventions. This process, known as reflex integration, involves:
At Kinetic Edge, our pediatric occupational therapists are trained to identify retained reflexes and help children integrate them through targeted, play-based interventions. This process, known as reflex integration, involves:
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Gentle, repetitive movements that mimic the original reflex patterns
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Sensory and motor activities designed to build new, more efficient brain connections
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Strategies that promote self-regulation, attention, balance, and postural control
Because the brain is incredibly adaptable (thanks to neuroplasticity), these interventions help children transition from automatic, survival-based responses to more intentional and controlled actions.
Why Reflex Integration Matters
A child who struggles with focus, fidgeting, emotional outbursts, poor coordination, or even speech delays may actually be working against these unintegrated reflexes every day. By addressing the root cause—not just the symptoms—we help children build a stronger foundation for learning, emotional resilience, and daily independence.
A child who struggles with focus, fidgeting, emotional outbursts, poor coordination, or even speech delays may actually be working against these unintegrated reflexes every day. By addressing the root cause—not just the symptoms—we help children build a stronger foundation for learning, emotional resilience, and daily independence.
What to Expect
Your child’s journey begins with a comprehensive OT evaluation. We’ll look at developmental milestones, reflex patterns, and sensory processing to create an individualized plan focused on your family’s goals. With consistent sessions, many families begin to see improvements in:
Your child’s journey begins with a comprehensive OT evaluation. We’ll look at developmental milestones, reflex patterns, and sensory processing to create an individualized plan focused on your family’s goals. With consistent sessions, many families begin to see improvements in:
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School readiness
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Emotional regulation
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Fine and gross motor skills
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Social participation
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Independence with daily routines
👩⚕️ Let’s Help Your Child Reach Their Potential
If you suspect your child may have retained reflexes or sensory challenges, we’re here to help. Contact us to schedule an occupational therapy evaluation at any of our convenient Iowa locations: Newton, Des Moines, Ames, Pella, or Oskaloosa.
If you suspect your child may have retained reflexes or sensory challenges, we’re here to help. Contact us to schedule an occupational therapy evaluation at any of our convenient Iowa locations: Newton, Des Moines, Ames, Pella, or Oskaloosa.
📞 Call your nearest clinic to learn more and get started.
