What is a retained primitive reflex? +
A primitive reflex is an automatic movement pattern babies are born with. Most integrate, meaning switch off, in the first year or two as the nervous system matures. When one is still active beyond that window, some practitioners describe it as retained, and believe it can get in the way of attention, coordination, emotional regulation and learning. That idea is debated.
Is a retained reflex a diagnosis? +
No. It isn't a diagnosis, and it isn't a formal condition in the way autism or ADHD is. It's a term some practitioners use for patterns they see when they check a child's movement.
How do I know if my child has retained reflexes? +
They're usually looked for through a hands on check by a trained practitioner, not a questionnaire. Signs that people link to them include poor balance, messy handwriting, being easily startled, W sitting, toe walking and difficulty with reading or focus. These signs overlap with many other things, so a check is the only way to know.
Is there evidence that reflex integration works? +
Research is limited and mixed. It's well established that primitive reflexes appear in infancy and usually fade. Whether persisting reflexes in older children contribute to learning, attention or behaviour difficulties, and whether integration exercises help, is debated. Studies are small, and reflex integration isn't part of standard NHS pathways. We can't promise results. See our page on the
Melillo Method in the UK and our
research page.
Should we see our GP first? +
If you're worried about your child's development, yes. Your GP or health visitor can look for other causes and refer you on where needed, which matters especially for delayed movement or lost skills. Our support is designed to sit alongside that, not replace it. If your child is late with movement, see our guide to
baby and toddler motor delay.
Can reflex work help at any age? +
We work with children from 18 months to 18 years. The nervous system stays adaptable throughout childhood and the teenage years, and we think integration work can be useful well beyond early childhood. We can't promise particular outcomes at any age.
Does my child need a diagnosis before checking for retained reflexes? +
Can I work on reflexes at home? +
Yes. The exercises are gentle movements done at home, and we coach parents through them so the work fits into daily family life. Our
free course is a good place to start.
Is reflex work instead of other therapies? +
No. It's designed to sit alongside them, and you can keep any therapy your child already has, including OT, speech therapy and school SEN support.
How long does reflex work take? +
Every child is different. Some families notice early changes within a few weeks of consistent daily practice, while others take longer, and some children don't respond as we'd hope. Working on a reflex pattern is usually measured in months, not days.
