You don’t need to know for sure — curiosity is enough
Many parents arrive here because:
- something about their child’s behaviour feels physical, not wilful
- support hasn’t quite worked the way they hoped
- their child seems to be working much harder than other children
You’re not expected to diagnose your child — and you don’t need to have all the answers.
This page is here to help you notice patterns, not labels.
What are retained reflexes (in plain English)?
Primitive reflexes are automatic movement patterns we’re all born with.
They help babies develop:
- coordination
- balance and posture
- regulation
- a sense of safety in their body
As children grow, these reflexes usually integrate naturally.
When they don’t fully integrate, the body may continue to rely on immature movement patterns — even though the child is older. These are often referred to as retained reflexes.
This can place extra strain on the nervous system, especially in busy or demanding environments.
Why retained reflexes are more common in neurodivergent children
Retained reflexes are not a diagnosis, and they are not a failure of development.
They are:
- more common in autistic children
- frequently seen in ADHD and dyspraxia
- often linked with sensory processing differences
For many neurodivergent children, early stress, missed movement experiences, or a nervous system that stays on high alert can interrupt natural integration.
This doesn’t mean something went “wrong” — it means the body may need more support.
Common signs that retained reflexes may be present
Your child doesn’t need to show all of these.
Some common signs include:
In the body
- Poor balance or coordination
- Appearing clumsy or awkward
- Slouching, leaning, or tiring quickly
- W-sitting or avoiding certain positions
In regulation and behaviour
- Meltdowns after school or busy days
- Difficulty sitting still
- Strong reactions to noise, touch, or movement
- Anxiety or emotional overwhelm
In learning and daily life
- Struggles with handwriting or fine motor tasks
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue from “coping”
- Seeming much younger emotionally than peers
If several of these feel familiar, retained reflexes may be part of the picture — but they are rarely the whole story.
What retained reflexes are NOT
Retained reflexes:
- ❌ do NOT mean your child is broken
- ❌ are NOT something to “fix”
- ❌ are NOT about forcing change or compliance
They are simply one way of understanding how the nervous system is coping.
How primitive reflex integration can help
Primitive reflex integration uses gentle, exact, developmentally-informed movement patterns to give the nervous system another opportunity to mature.
This work aims to:
- reduce nervous system overload
- support regulation and coordination
- help the body feel safer and more organised
For many children, this can lead to:
- calmer transitions
- improved balance and confidence
- less sensory overwhelm
- reduced emotional reactivity
Progress is gradual and individual — and always led by the child.
Is this right for every child?
No — and that’s okay.
Primitive reflex integration may not be the right fit if:
- you are looking for immediate results
- your child finds all movement highly distressing
- you prefer highly directive or compliance-based approaches
It may be a good fit if:
- your child is under 10
- they are neurodivergent
- you want a gentle, respectful approach
- you’re interested in supporting regulation from the body up
What working with Move2Connect looks like
I work with neurodivergent children and their parents using:
- very gentle, child-led movement
- sensory-aware approaches
- practical strategies you can use at home
There is no forcing, no “push through”, and no expectation that children perform or comply.
Parents are supported alongside their child — because your understanding matters.
What to do next
You don’t need to decide anything today.
You might choose to:
- talk things through
- ask questions
- explore whether this approach fits your child and family
Whatever you decide, you’re already doing something important by listening to your child’s body — and your own instincts.
