How Retained Primitive Reflexes Impact Your Child’s Brain Development

July 20, 2021

Have you heard about retained primitive reflexes? Do you know that if your child has even one, that it can significantly impact their developing brain and may be the root of the symptoms they are struggling with right now? Today is a short solo episode of the My child Will Thrive Podcast, I take you through how retained primitive reflexes can impact your child’s brain development and I discuss in more detail the Moro reflex (otherwise known as the “startle reflex”).This is a favorite topic of mine because it is foundational to your child’s development. Also, this episode is a great reminder after our last podcast episode with Dr. Ryan Cedermark.

[su_box title=”Things You Will Learn” box_color=”#84C141″ class=”nutshell_box”]

• We are born with primitive reflexes to keep us alive, but they should be lost before the age of 12 months.
• Retained primitive reflexes impede the development of postural reflexes and therefore higher-level brain development.
• Simple tests for retained primitive reflexes can be done at home.
• At-home integration exercises can help to integrate the retained reflexes, resulting in significant improvements in related symptoms.
• And much more…[/su_box]

Show Notes

• We’re all born with reflexes that are essential to our early survival, but they must be lost in order for our brain to develop properly. (2:04)
• The role of primitive and postural reflexes in brain development. (4:07)
• One example of a retained primitive reflex that can impact your child’s development and might be an underlying cause of your child’s developmental symptoms. (5:58)
• Some of the long-term effects of a retained moro reflex. (8:21)
• A list of steps you can take to assess your child and help them overcome their retained rate of primitive reflexes and maximize their potential. (11:11)

Resources and Links

Download our FREE Primitive Reflexes Cheat Sheet

“Reflexes, Learning And Behavior: A Window into the Child’s Mind : A Non-Invasive Approach to Solving Learning & Behavior Problems” by Sally Goddard

“Disconnected Kids: The Groundbreaking Brain Balance Program for Children with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Neurological Disorders” by Dr. Robert Melilo

Articles Related to Simple Neurological Exercises to Create a Balanced Brain

Neuroplasticity – Finding Hope with Setbacks

Lessons About the Power of Neuroplasticity with Dr. Peter Scire

Simple Neurological Exercises to Create a Balanced Brain with Dr. Ryan Cedermark

More about Tara Hunkin, FNTP, CGP

Tara Hunkin, Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Certified GAPS Practitioner, Restorative Wellness Practitioner, mother and founder of My Child Will Thrive (website and podcast)  author and host of the Autism, ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder Summit. 

My Child Will Thrive was founded out of the frustration Tara felt when searching for explanations and solutions for her daughter.  Doctor visits left her with more questions than answers and she was forced to do the research and find her own way to help her child.  Tara’s daughter is now a thriving 16-year-old, succeeding in and out of school.

Tara now supports parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders struggling to find the right combination of treatments and therapies through educating and coaching them so that they can get the best results for their children while saving time, money and effort.  

Tara continues to expand her knowledge by attending and speaking at conferences and is a member of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs, International Association of Functional Neurology and Rehabilitation, and Nutritional Therapy Association.