Is My Child Stuck in Primitive Reflexes? How to Go Beyond Just Managing Symptoms

If you’ve ever searched “child stuck in primitive reflexes Portland,” chances are you’ve encountered a range of information—some of it helpful, some of it confusing, and much of it focused on the concept of reflex integration. 

You may already know that primitive reflexes are automatic movement patterns all babies are born with—like the startle reflex (Moro), the rooting reflex, or the asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR). These reflexes are essential for survival in infancy but are typically replaced by more advanced, voluntary movement as the brain develops. 

But what happens when those reflexes don’t fully integrate? And what can you do if your child continues to show signs of being “stuck” in these early patterns? 

In this blog, we’ll explore: 

• What retained primitive reflexes may look like 

• How OT and PT typically address them 

• How ABM NeuroMovement® offers a gentle, brain-first approach to reflex integration 

• Why many Portland parents are finding success with a more holistic model of development 

Recognizing the Signs of Retained Primitive Reflexes 

Primitive reflexes are meant to fade as a child’s brain matures. When they don’t, parents may notice: 

• Poor posture or slouching 

• Difficulty sitting still or maintaining attention 

• Challenges with handwriting, reading, or crossing the midline 

• Sensory sensitivity 

• Delayed motor skills 

• Anxiety or exaggerated startle responses 

These signs may lead to referrals for occupational therapy (OT) or physical therapy (PT), which are both valid and important approaches. 

How OT and PT Typically Approach Reflex Integration 

Occupational therapists may use targeted exercises and play-based routines that mimic specific reflex movements to “retrain” the nervous system. For example, they may guide a child through crawling patterns or specific eye-tracking exercises to support midline crossing or postural stability. 

Physical therapists may focus on core strength, balance, and movement coordination to help children move beyond reflexive patterns. 

Both approaches are valuable and research-based—but they often focus on external repetition and motor correction, rather than how the brain itself processes and organizes movement. 

Some children thrive with these techniques. Others don’t respond as expected—or may even resist them due to overstimulation or frustration. 

What Parents in Portland Are Experiencing 

At MoveAbilities, many parents come to us with concerns like: 

• “My child has done reflex integration exercises, but still struggles with balance.” 

• “He hates therapy sessions—it’s always a battle.” 

• “She seems stuck in a loop—like she knows what to do, but can’t stop the automatic responses.” 

• “We’ve made some gains, but something still feels disconnected.” 

These parents aren’t giving up on OT or PT. They’re just looking for something that works with their child’s brain, not against it. 

ABM NeuroMovement: A Different Kind of Learning 

The Anat Baniel Method® NeuroMovement® offers a unique, brain-centered approach to reflex integration. Instead of working directly on the reflex, ABM works by helping the brain build new, more complex movement patterns—so the reflex becomes unnecessary and naturally fades. 

Here’s how it’s different: 

• No repetition or drills—we guide the child through gentle, subtle movements that awaken new neural pathways 

• No forcing—the child is never pushed to perform or suppress a reflex 

• No “fixing” mindset—we support the child’s current abilities while inviting the brain to discover better options 

• Yes to playfulness, curiosity, and awareness 

At MoveAbilities, these sessions are deeply individualized, and often lead to: 

• Better balance and postural control 

• Reduced sensory overwhelm 

• More coordinated movement 

• Improved attention and emotional regulation 

From Reflex to Readiness: Building Voluntary Control 

It’s easy to think of reflex integration as something to “train out” of the child. But that overlooks a key insight from modern neuroscience: 

When the brain develops more efficient, voluntary movement patterns, primitive reflexes are no longer needed—and they begin to disappear on their own. 

ABM practitioners help facilitate this development by focusing on movement quality, not just quantity. This is why many parents see their children make unexpected gains even after progress in OT or PT has plateaued. 

ABM and OT/PT: Not Either/Or—But Together 

If your child is currently in occupational or physical therapy, ABM can be a powerful complement. 

Where traditional therapy may focus on strength or motor practice, ABM helps: 

• Calm the nervous system so learning can occur 

• Expand the brain’s ability to perceive differences and make choices 

• Reduce compensations like stiffness, floppiness, or bracing 

• Rebuild movement from the inside out 

Many therapists report that their clients make better use of traditional therapy after integrating ABM sessions. For some children, ABM is the missing layer that unlocks more successful therapy outcomes. 

Can I Do ABM Without OT or PT? 
Yes—you absolutely can. Many families choose to focus solely on ABM NeuroMovement® without combining it with occupational or physical therapy. It depends on the needs of your child and the pace that feels right for your family. At MoveAbilities, we support parents in making informed, individualized decisions. Whether ABM is your starting point or a next step, it can stand on its own as a complete and respectful way to support your child’s development. 

What a NeuroMovement Session Looks Like 

An ABM session at MoveAbilities is: 

• Calm and quiet—never overstimulating 

• Led by the child’s curiosity and readiness 

• Built around sensory feedback and gentle movement 

• Completely non-invasive and deeply respectful 

We’re not trying to “remove” a reflex—we’re inviting the brain to evolve past it. 

When to Consider ABM for Reflex Integration 

You might explore ABM NeuroMovement if: 

• Your child is still showing signs of retained primitive reflexes 

• You’ve tried reflex exercises without lasting change 

• Therapy feels overwhelming, stressful, or too repetitive for your child 

• You’re looking for a gentle, effective, and neuroscience-based approach 

• You want to support your child’s development holistically, not just symptom by symptom 

There’s no wrong time to begin. In fact, many parents report that the earlier they start, the more natural the changes feel for their child. 

🧠 Help Your Child Move Beyond Reflexes—Gently 

Retained primitive reflexes are not the problem—they’re the brain’s current best solution. ABM offers a way to help the brain discover better solutions through new experiences and sensory information. 

This isn’t about fixing what’s broken. It’s about teaching the brain something new. 

📅 Let’s Explore the Next Step Together 

If your child seems stuck in primitive reflexes and you’re ready for a new perspective, MoveAbilities is here to help. 

👉 Contact Kathy at MoveAbilities to ask questions, learn more, or book a session.