Spotlight on Retained Primitive Reflexes and Their Profound Effect on Developmental Disorders

Understanding Primitive Reflexes

Primitive Reflexes are essential survival reflexes that develop in the brain stem before birth. 

These involuntary reflexes help the baby position itself in the womb, assist with the birthing process, and support feeding, urination, and the development of motor skills and posture. Normally, these reflexes should integrate (disappear) within the first year of life as the brain and muscle control mature.

What Happens If They Remain?

If these reflexes persist, they can disrupt the brain's neurological organisation, leading to learning, behavioural, social, sensory, and health issues.

In older children and adults, these retained reflexes manifest as involuntary muscle movements that are often unnoticed but continue to cause problems until addressed with specific exercise patterns.

What Can Be Done?

When Primitive Reflexes remain active past 12 months, they are known as Retained Primitive Reflexes.

These can cause lifelong problems. Fortunately, simple exercises can help integrate these reflexes, a process known as Integrating Primitive Reflexes. Once integrated, many learning disabilities, behavioural disorders, sensory disorders, and related health issues can significantly improve.

Children love to play and explore, this is all vital movement and discovery to advance their Brain development and reduce Primitive Reflexes.

Potential Issues from Retained Reflexes

If Primitive Reflexes remain active, they hinder cognitive development. 

Integrating Retained Primitive Reflexes is the crucial first step. It can resolve many problems, making other therapies, such as play therapy, speech therapy, cognitive therapy, and Brain Stimulation like Hemispheric Integration Therapy, more effective.

Why Does This Happen?

Many children and adults retain one or more Primitive Reflexes for various reasons, such as traumatic birth, induced labour, C-section birth, excessive time in seats or swings, lack of movement, insufficient tummy or back playtime, and even too much screen time. Often, there's no single cause.

Issues that can arise include:
  • Autism
  • Asperger's Syndrome
  • Hemispheric Imbalance
  • Sensory Disorders
  • Hyperactivity
  • ADHD
  • Speech Disorders
  • Social Disorders
  • Asthma and other immune problems
  • Dyslexia
  • Dysgraphia
  • Dyscalculia
  • Mental health conditions

Pillars of Optimal Brain Development

  • Movement Milestones and Primitive Reflex Integration
  • Functional Breathing
  • Nutrition
  • Tech/Screen Time
  • Parenting and Environment

Poor input will produce poor outcomes

Parent Testimonials

Don't just take our word for it, parents are overwhelmed with the impacts the PrimX Programme is having on their children...

  • “Flo was diagnosed with Autism and faced significant challenges, including severe anxiety and difficulties in social situations.

    12 months on, we now have a daughter who is thriving. Flo is performing on stage in school productions and absolutely loving gymnastics.”

    Flo M, age 7

    Autism

    Flo M, age 7
  • ...Our world was turned upside down.

    Thanks to BrainX Movement and the PrimX programme, our entire family has experienced a remarkable transformation. We are now eagerly looking forward to watching our daughter grow again.”

    Isi R, age 14

    FND

    Isi R, age 14
  • “George began showing signs and behaviours of autism and ADHD at a very young age.

    The PrimX programme has transformed him! He is now flourishing in social situations, his movement and coordination has significantly improved. We cannot thank BrainX enough.”

    George, age 4

    ADHD

    George, age 4
  • “Our daughter Ruby has struggled academically for many years, dealing with dyslexia and dyscalculia.

    We then embarked on the PrimX programme, along with their sensory eye tracking programme. The results have been astonishing. Ruby has now been accepted into her secondary school of choice.

    Ruby T, age 11

    Dyslexia

    Ruby T, age 11
Seb Kane

BrainX Co-Founder.

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