
07/23/2025
What are primitive reflexes?
Primitive reflexes are automatic, instinctive movements that babies are born with. They are controlled by the brainstem and help with survival and early development (like feeding and movement). Primitive reflexes are present at birth, involuntary (not under conscious control), should disappear (integrate) as the brain matures and usually fades by 12 months, some earlier.
Why is this important?
In occupational therapy (OT), primitive reflexes are important because they affect a child’s motor skills, sensory processing, posture, attention, and learning—especially when those reflexes do not integrate (fade) at the right time.
Assessment of primitive reflexes is an area we evaluate during all evaluations as this often times can be the root cause to writing, clumsiness, emotional regulation, bedwetting and sensory difficulties.
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