Understanding Primitive Reflex Integration Therapy
Los Angeles Leader for Primitive Reflex Integration Therapy
Helping Your Child Build Stronger Foundations for Learning & Movement
Does your child struggle with poor coordination, focus, posture, or emotional regulation? Do they have trouble with reading, writing, or sitting still in school?
These challenges could be linked to unintegrated primitive reflexes—automatic movements developed before or shortly after birth to help infants grow and develop. These reflexes typically disappear as a child enters new stages of development, but for some children, therapy is necessary to help them unpattern these automatic movements that may be preventing them from reaching milestones or interfering with their ability to do certain tasks effectively and efficiently.
At TheraPlay LA, we specialize in Primitive Reflex Integration Therapy, helping children build stronger motor, sensory, and learning skills by working through retained reflexes.
Who Can Benefit from Primitive Reflex Integration Therapy?
Because these reflexes are subtle, automatic movements, many parents do not realize that the challenges their child is experiencing may be the result of retained primitive reflexes. So how can you tell if your child has retained primitive reflexes?
A child may have retained primitive reflexes if they experience…
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Poor Posture and Trouble Sitting Still
Slouching, frequently shifts in seat, restlessness
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Clumsiness or Poor Coordination
Trouble with balance, sports, or jumping jacks
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Reading and Writing Challenges
Difficulty tracking words when reading, letter reversals when writing
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Attention and Focus Difficulties
Trouble staying on task, signs of ADHD
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Speech and Articulation Challenges
Difficulty pronouncing words clearly
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Difficulty with Emotional Regulation
Frequent meltdowns, anxiety, or sensitivity to change
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Sensory Processing Difficulties
Overreacts to certain sounds, textures, or movement
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Skipped Crawling as a Baby
Often a sign that early movement patterns may not have fully developed
While retained reflexes can result in challenges for many children, these reflexes are integral for the earliest stages of development. Each reflex serves as specific function. Once it’s no longer needed, it goes away or “integrates.”
Use the handy chart below for a better understanding of:
The purpose of each reflex
When each reflex typically appears
When each reflex is typically integrated
Signs of primitive reflex retention
For an even more in-depth look at each of these Primitive Reflexes, check out our blogs!
Children with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, developmental delays, sensory processing disorder, and motor coordination issues may particularly benefit from Primitive Reflex Integration Therapy. If you’re unsure if your child has retained primitive reflexes, use our free checklist to help you determine if your child should be evaluated for unintegrated primitive reflexes!
What Is Primitive Reflex Integration?
Primitive reflexes are involuntary movements that develop in the womb and help babies with survival, movement, and early development. These reflexes should disappear (integrate) as a child’s brain matures, making way for more controlled movements, better coordination, and higher-level learning skills.
However, sometimes these reflexes do not integrate as expected. When that happens, a child may struggle with focus, balance, posture, emotional regulation, and motor skills.
How Does Primitive Reflex Integration Work?
Primitive Reflex Integration Therapy uses targeted movement exercises to help a child’s brain and body process and integrate retained reflexes. By repeating specific movements, the nervous system CAN rewire itself, allowing a child to gain better control over their body and behavior.
How Can Primitive Reflex Integration Help My Child?
When primitive reflexes don’t integrate, they can affect a child’s ability to learn, focus, and move with ease.
Primitive Reflex Integration Therapy can help children:
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Improve Coordination and Balance
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Develop stronger posture and muscle tone
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Enhance focus, memory, and organization
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Improve reading, writing, and speech skills
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Reduce sensory sensitivities and emotional outbursts
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Feel calmer and more in control of their body
At TheraPlay LA, our therapy sessions are designed to be fun, engaging, and movement-based, allowing children to develop these foundational skills in a natural way!
How Is Primitive Reflex Integration Different from Traditional Occupational Therapy?
Both Primitive Reflex Integration Therapy and Occupational Therapy support a child’s development, but they focus on different areas:
Primitive Reflex Integration Therapy targets underlying movement patterns that impact learning, coordination, and behavior. It helps the nervous system process and integrate retained reflexes through specific exercises.
Traditional Occupational Therapy focuses on daily life skills like handwriting, dressing, and self-regulation through sensory and motor-based activities.
At TheraPlay LA, we often combine both therapies to give children the best chance for success! This allows us to work on improving specific functional skills while targeting the underlying foundation they’re built upon!