Integrating Primitive Reflexes with Occupational Therapy

Integrating Primitive Reflexes with Occupational Therapy

Primitive reflexes are automatic movements that babies are born with. As children get older, these reflexes typically fade on their own (integrate). For some children, a reflex does not integrate or fade as expected. Learn more about these reflexes and how occupational therapy may help your child.
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What are Primitive Reflexes?

Primitive reflexes are automatic movements that babies are born with. These reflexes help babies grow, learn and move. As children get older, these reflexes typically fade on their own (integrate). They are replaced by more mature movement patterns.

For some children, a reflex does not integrate or fade as expected. When this happens, it may make some skills harder for a child.

These skills may include:

  • Balance.
  • Body coordination
  • Paying attention.
  • Good posture.
  • Daily activities.
  • Managing Emotions.
  • Responding to our senses.

The most common reflexes treated in therapy to help with integration are:

  • Moro (startle) Reflex
  • Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)
  • Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)
  • Landau
  • Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)
  • Spinal Galant Reflex

Why Might Reflexes Not Fade or Integrate?

It is not fully known why some primitive reflexes do not fade or integrate.  Some reasons could include:

  • Stress during pregnancy.
  • Stress or problems during birth.
  • Not enough floor or tummy time as a baby.
  • General delays in movement such as rolling, crawling, or walking.
  • Baby’s head turned or tilted to one side (called torticollis).
  • Injury or trauma.

Sometimes a reflex has faded or integrated but may come back. This can happen after a traumatic event, stress, serious illness or injury.

How Does Occupational Therapy Help?

An occupational therapist (OT) who is trained in reflex integration will assess and determine whether or not primitive reflexes may be affecting your child’s skills. An OT will give you exercises and activities to do with your child to help these reflexes fade or integrate. Practice is important. Do these exercises regularly as shown by your OT. The amount of time it takes for these reflexes to fade can be different for each child.

To learn more about reflexes, review these Children’s Wisconsin teaching sheets:

ALERT

Call your child’s provider, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.

Draft Number: 1735Revision Date: September 9, 2026

This content was created to help you care for your child and/or family member. It does not take the place of medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.