What are Primitive Reflexes anyway?

Primitive reflexes are automatic, instinctual movements that babies are born with—think of them as nature’s way of ensuring survival in the earliest stages of life. These reflexes play a crucial role during birth and in the first few months of life, helping infants with essential functions like feeding, grasping, and even responding to danger.

For example, the Moro reflex (that dramatic startle response) helps signal distress, while the rooting reflex guides a newborn to nurse. These early patterns are controlled by the brainstem and are meant to fade as a child grows and gains more control through higher brain development.

But here’s the catch—if these reflexes don’t fully integrate (or fade away) as they should, they can interfere with normal development. Unintegrated reflexes can affect motor skills, focus, emotional regulation, and even social behavior. Think of it like trying to learn a new skill while your brain is still stuck running an old survival program in the background.

Primitive reflexes can sometimes resurface later in life due to trauma, stress, or injury. Because they’re rooted in survival, the brain may revert to these patterns when it perceives a threat.

That’s where BrainTree NeuroGrowth comes in. They specialize in identifying and integrating retained reflexes through brain-based movement and sensory work. Whether a child is struggling with learning challenges, emotional ups and downs, or social difficulties, BrainTree NeuroGrowth provides customized support to help the brain grow beyond these old reflex loops.

Understanding and addressing primitive reflexes can unlock new potential—helping individuals move from just surviving to thriving.

Curious whether unintegrated reflexes could be affecting you or someone you love? BrainTree NeuroGrowth offers assessments and gentle, effective programs that might just make all the difference.