Here are the six primitive reflexes most commonly addressed in developmental support:
1. Moro Reflex
Often called the "startle reflex," this reflex helps infants react to sudden changes in their environment. When retained, it may contribute to anxiety, sensory sensitivities, and emotional reactivity.
2. Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)
Related to head movement and balance, this reflex impacts muscle tone and posture. Retention can cause poor coordination, difficulty sitting upright, or clumsiness.
3. Palmar Grasp Reflex
This reflex helps babies grip with their hands. If it sticks around, it may interfere with fine motor skills like writing, cutting, or buttoning clothing.
4. Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)
Sometimes called the “fencing reflex,” this affects how the head and arms move together. Retention can impact reading, handwriting, and crossing the midline of the body.
5. Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)
This reflex helps babies transition from lying down to crawling. If retained, it may show up as poor posture, difficulty sitting still, or challenges with coordination and focus.
6. Spinal Galant Reflex
This reflex is linked to movement along the spine. When retained, it may cause fidgeting, bedwetting, or difficulty sitting in a chair for long periods.
We are all born with primitive reflexes, and they play a vital role in early survival and development. Ideally, these reflexes should naturally integrate, allowing for higher-level learning and motor development to take place. However, sometimes they don’t integrate as expected—and this can lead to challenges for your child.
Above is a short description now i can go into detail about each reflex
Moro:
1) Moro Reflex: The Startle Reflex
The Moro Reflex is an involuntary movement response that occurs when a baby is startled by sudden stimuli, such as a loud noise or a quick change in position. This reflex is actually present as early as 25 weeks postconception and typically appears by 30 weeks postconception. You've probably heard it referred to as the startle reflex—this is it!
By six months of age, the Moro Reflex should naturally integrate and disappear. If it doesn’t, it can continue to affect your child’s development.
What Happens If the Moro Reflex Is Retained?
If the Moro Reflex isn’t properly integrated by the time your child is six months old, it can show up in a variety of ways, especially as they grow older. Common signs of a retained Moro Reflex in infants and older children include:
● Motion sickness or car sickness
● Difficulty with eye contact during conversations or play
● Sensitivity to light, sound, or touch
● Increased allergies or a weakened immune system
● Anxiety and frequent mood swings
● Challenges with sports or activities requiring hand-eye coordination
The good news is that the Moro Reflex can be integrated with gentle, neurodevelopmental practices—helping your child feel more regulated, calm, and connected.
Let me know if you’d like to explore how reflex integration works or if you want more information on next steps!
2) Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)
The Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR) is closely linked to the Moro Reflex and plays a key role in how infants respond to gravity. When an infant moves their head forward or backward, the TLR helps them react to the new challenges of gravity they experience after birth. This reflex actually develops in utero and influences muscle tone and posture as the baby grows.
The TLR should integrate by age three at the latest, although it can often integrate earlier, around six months—right about the same time the Moro Reflex is expected to integrate. Interesting, right?
What Happens If the TLR Is Retained?
If the TLR doesn’t integrate as it should, it can affect various areas of development as your child grows. Some common signs of a retained TLR in toddlers and older children include:
● Challenges with crawling or moving smoothly on the floor
● Poor posture or low muscle tone
● Vision problems (e.g., difficulty focusing or tracking objects)
● Auditory processing difficulties (struggles with hearing or understanding sounds)
● Trouble with spatial awareness, time management, and staying organized
● Difficulty with sports or physical coordination
Just like the Moro Reflex, the TLR can be integrated with specific exercises and techniques that help regulate the nervous system and support your child’s development.
Would you like to explore how reflex integration can be addressed for your child, or discuss strategies that can help with these challenges?
3) Palmar Grasp Reflex
The Palmar Grasp Reflex is an automatic response that occurs when something touches the palm of a newborn’s hand. This reflex helps the baby grasp objects before they can do so intentionally. Interestingly, a study from 2020 also found that this reflex plays a role in fostering early bonding between the infant and caregiver, as it encourages physical contact and connection.
The Palmar Grasp Reflex typically develops between 11 to 16 weeks in utero and should naturally integrate by six months of age, around the time when an infant begins to reach for and intentionally grasp objects on their own.
What Happens If the Palmar Grasp Reflex Is Retained?
If this reflex doesn’t integrate as it should, it can impact fine motor development and everyday tasks as your child grows. Common signs that a retained Palmar Grasp Reflex may be present in infants and older children include:
● Delayed fine motor skills, such as difficulty holding objects or a weak grip
● Struggles with handwriting and other tasks requiring hand dexterity
● Challenges with self-care tasks, such as feeding themselves or dressing
● Potential speech difficulties, as oral motor coordination may also be affected
● Tactile hypersensitivity, or an increased sensitivity to touch, especially in the hands
Addressing the Palmar Grasp Reflex through targeted exercises can help your child improve their fine motor skills and develop more confidence in daily activities.
Would you like more insights into exercises or strategies to support reflex integration? Feel free to reach out!
4) Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)
The Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) plays a key role in the birthing process and the early stages of motor development. When a baby turns their head to one side, the reflex causes the arm and leg on that side to extend, while the opposite arm and leg bend. This reflex helps build muscle tone, establish skills on each side of the body, and improve hand-eye coordination.
The ATNR typically develops around 18 weeks in utero and should integrate by nine months of age. If it doesn’t, it can continue to affect movement and coordination as the child grows.
What Happens If the ATNR Is Retained?
When the ATNR doesn’t integrate as expected, it can create difficulties in motor development and other key skills. Some common signs that a retained ATNR may be affecting your child include:
● Challenges with crawling, especially on opposite sides of the body
● Struggles with handwriting, especially when it comes to letter formation
● Difficulty with visual tracking—following moving objects with their eyes
● Trouble establishing hand dominance by age 7 (difficulty determining whether they are right- or left-handed)
● Ongoing left-right confusion past age 8
● Difficulty with age-appropriate gross motor skills, like skipping or jumping
If the ATNR is retained, it can impact both fine and gross motor skills, as well as tasks that require bilateral coordination. Reflex integration exercises can help your child develop more coordinated, balanced movement and improve overall motor planning.
Would you like more details on how to help support your child through ATNR integration or discuss some strategies? Let me know!
5) Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)
The Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) is closely related to the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR). It plays a key role in helping an infant transition from lying on their belly (prone position) to moving into a quadruped position (on all fours) as they prepare to crawl. The STNR also helps integrate the TLR, enabling smoother movement and development.
The STNR typically develops between 6 to 9 months of age and should integrate by 9-11 months. Its lifespan is shorter than some other reflexes, but if it doesn’t integrate properly, it can affect your child’s coordination and movement patterns.
What Happens If the STNR Is Retained?
If the STNR is not integrated by the time your child reaches 9-11 months, it can create difficulties with coordination and physical development. Some common signs of a retained STNR in toddlers and children include:
● Challenges with crawling, particularly moving from tummy to hands-and-knees
● Poor posture and low muscle tone
● W-sitting or sitting in positions that hinder proper posture and balance
● Clumsiness or trouble with coordinated movements
● Difficulty maintaining sustained attention, especially during learning activities
● Struggles with reading and writing, as the STNR affects visual and physical coordination
The good news is that STNR integration can improve balance, coordination, and focus—helping your child move with more ease and confidence. If you're noticing these patterns, there are specific techniques and activities designed to help your child integrate the STNR.
Would you like more information on supporting STNR integration or a deeper dive into techniques that can help? Let me know!
6) Spinal Galant Reflex
The Spinal Galant Reflex plays a critical role in the birthing process. It helps the baby move through the birth canal by stimulating movement in the lower back and hips when the skin along the spine is gently touched. This reflex is similar to the ATNR, and it develops around 20 weeks in utero. During contractions in the birth process, the Spinal Galant Reflex helps the baby navigate through the birth canal more easily.
The Spinal Galant Reflex should integrate by around six months of age, marking the time when more voluntary movement and coordination begin to take over.
What Happens If the Spinal Galant Reflex Is Retained?
If the Spinal Galant Reflex doesn’t integrate properly by the time your child is six months old, it can cause a variety of developmental challenges. Some common signs of a retained Spinal Galant Reflex in infants and older children include:
● Challenges with developmental milestones, like rolling over or transitioning between positions
● Issues with natural gait development, potentially affecting posture and leading to conditions like scoliosis
● Struggles with focus, attention, and sitting still—often showing up as ADHD-like symptoms
● Bedwetting beyond the age of 5 or 6 years
● Tactile hypersensitivity, especially when it comes to clothing or fabrics touching the skin
Addressing the Spinal Galant Reflex through targeted activities can support smoother transitions through developmental stages and help alleviate these challenges. If you suspect this reflex is still active in your child, gentle integration exercises may help your child experience improved posture, focus, and overall development.
Or here is this version
Here is polished, parent-friendly, therapist-level website content you can use on Nuro Function to explain the Moro Reflex. I wrote it in a way that fits your brand: warm, educational, evidence-informed, and easy for families to understand.
What Is the Moro Reflex?
The Moro Reflex, often called the startle reflex, is one of the earliest automatic responses babies are born with. It helps infants react to sudden changes in their environment—like loud noises, bright lights, or a feeling of falling.
This reflex is meant to appear at birth and naturally integrate between 2–4 months of age as the nervous system matures.
When the Moro Reflex doesn’t fully integrate, the body can stay stuck in a “fight-or-flight” response, leading to challenges in sensory processing, emotional regulation, and motor development.
Why Does the Moro Reflex Matter?
The Moro Reflex plays an important role in early survival, but long-term it should quiet down so higher brain centers can take the lead.
If it remains active, the child’s nervous system stays on alert — even during everyday experiences.
This can affect how a child reacts to:
● Sensory input
● Stress
● Transitions
● Learning environments
● Emotional challenges
A retained Moro reflex often shows up as “big reactions to small triggers.”
Signs of a Retained Moro Reflex
Parents and educators may notice:
Sensory Sensitivities
● Easily startled
● Sensitivity to bright lights or loud sounds
● Overreacting to touch or unexpected movement
Emotional & Behavioral Response
● Anxiety or nervousness
● Poor stress tolerance
● Emotional outbursts or quick mood swings
● Difficulty with transitions
Physical & Motor Indicators
● Poor balance or coordination
● Motion sickness
● Trouble sitting still or appearing “jumpy”
● Difficulty with handwriting or fine motor skills
Sleep & Regulation Challenges
● Trouble falling or staying asleep
● Overreactive fight-or-flight response
● Chronic dysregulation
If you’ve ever felt your child seems “on edge,” the Moro Reflex may play a part.
How a Retained Moro Reflex Affects Development
When this reflex remains active past infancy, it can influence:
● Attention & focus
● Social interactions
● Emotional stability
● Body control and coordination
● Behavior responses under stress
A retained reflex can make everyday situations—like school, noisy environments, or unexpected changes—feel overwhelming.
What Causes a Reflex to Stay Retained?
There is never a single cause, but factors may include:
● Birth trauma or C-section
● Prematurity or NICU stay
● Prolonged swaddling or limited tummy time
● Chronic stress or illness early in life
● Genetic or developmental differences
● Vestibular or sensory processing challenges
How Nuro Function Helps Integrate the Moro Reflex
At Nuro Function, we use neuro-movement, primitive reflex integration, and sensory-motor therapies to support the nervous system.
Our approach may include:
Movement-Based Reflex Integration
Gentle rhythmic and patterned movements that help the brain finish the integration process.
Vestibular & Proprioceptive Activities
Rocking, swinging, deep pressure, and “heavy work” to calm the fight-or-flight response.
Sensory Regulation Support
Helping the child build tolerance to sensory input through controlled, therapeutic exposure.
Emotional & Behavioral Strategies
Teaching co-regulation skills and creating predictable patterns that support nervous system safety.
When the Moro Reflex integrates, parents often report:
● Fewer meltdowns
● Improved sleep
● Better coordination
● Less sensitivity to noise/light
● More emotional stability
● Increased confidence
When to Seek Support
If your child shows several signs of a retained Moro Reflex, an evaluation with a neurodevelopmental therapist or reflex integration specialist can help.
Nuro Function offers assessments and personalized therapy plans that gently support your child’s brain and body so they can thrive.
What Is the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)?
The Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR) is a primitive reflex present at birth that helps babies develop muscle tone, balance, and head control. This reflex creates a natural relationship between the head and the body: when the head tilts forward, the body curls; when the head tilts back, the body extends.
TLR plays an important role in early motor milestones like rolling, crawling, and developing postural control.
It typically integrates between 3–6 months of age as the brain matures and higher-level motor systems take over.
When the TLR remains unintegrated, children may struggle with balance, coordination, posture, muscle tone, and academic skills that rely on good core stability.
Why the TLR Matters
TLR lays the foundation for:
● Upright posture
● Smooth coordination
● Visual tracking
● Balance and spatial awareness
● Core strength
● Efficient movement patterns
If the reflex doesn’t integrate on time, a child may literally feel like gravity is “working against them.”
Signs of a Retained TLR
A retained TLR often shows up in predictable ways. Parents, teachers, and therapists might notice:
Postural Challenges
● Slumped posture
● Difficulty sitting upright
● Leaning on furniture or needing to prop the head
● Fatigue during seated tasks
Movement & Coordination Difficulties
● Poor balance
● Clumsiness or frequent tripping
● Difficulty with running, skipping, jumping
● Trouble transitioning from floor to standing
Core & Muscle Tone Weaknesses
● Weak core strength
● Toe-walking or awkward gait
● Difficulty holding the head steady during movement
Academic Impacts
Because posture and control affect learning:
● Poor handwriting
● Fatigue during reading or writing
● Difficulty copying from the board
● Visual tracking issues
Emotional & Sensory Effects
● Overwhelm in busy environments
● Difficulty managing body in space
● Motion sensitivity
A child may look “lazy,” “unmotivated,” or “slouchy,” when in reality, their reflexes are working against them.
How a Retained TLR Affects Development
When TLR stays active past infancy, the body may overreact to changes in head position—making certain movements or postures uncomfortable or even disorienting.
This often leads to challenges with:
● Body awareness
● Motor planning
● Endurance
● Reading and writing
● Sitting still in class
● Sport participation
● Eye-hand coordination
TLR is deeply linked to the vestibular system (balance) and proprioceptive system (body awareness), so retention can create persistent sensory-motor challenges.
What Causes the TLR to Stay Retained?
Possible contributing factors include:
● Premature birth or NICU stay
● Limited tummy time
● Developmental delays
● Prolonged use of devices like bouncers/swings
● Chronic ear infections or vestibular issues
● Birth trauma
● Genetic or neurodevelopmental differences
No single cause is to blame—retained reflexes simply indicate the nervous system needs more support.
How Nuro Function Helps Integrate TLR
At Nuro Function, we use a neuro-movement-based approach to help the brain complete the integration process through purposeful, rhythmic, and sensory-rich activities.
Our support may include:
Reflex Integration Movements
Targeted patterns that support flexion, extension, and head-body coordination.
Vestibular Stimulation
Gentle rocking, rolling, and swinging to strengthen the brain’s balance systems.
Core Development Activities
Exercises that build stability and improve postural control.
Bilateral Coordination Work
Cross-body movements that help both sides of the brain communicate effectively.
Visual-Motor Integration
Activities that strengthen eye tracking, focus, and visual-spatial awareness.
As the TLR integrates, parents commonly report:
● Better balance
● Improved posture
● Stronger core
● Better handwriting
● Greater confidence in movement
● Longer attention span for seated tasks
When to Seek Support
If your child shows several signs of a retained TLR, a neurodevelopmental or reflex integration assessment can provide answers and a clear plan.
Nuro Function offers gentle, effective, brain-based therapy to support children through reflex integration, sensory regulation, and motor development—so they can move, learn, and thrive with confidence.
What Is the Palmar Grasp Reflex?
The Palmar Grasp Reflex is one of the earliest reflexes babies display. When something touches the palm of a newborn’s hand, their fingers automatically close around it. This reflex is essential in early bonding, sensory development, and preparing the hand for purposeful grasping.
The Palmar Reflex usually integrates between 4–6 months of age, allowing babies to transition from a reflexive “grip” to intentional hand movements like reaching, grabbing, transferring objects, and exploring their environment.
When this reflex does not fully integrate, it can affect fine motor skills, handwriting, self-help tasks, and even speech articulation due to the neurological connection between the hands and mouth.
Why the Palmar Reflex Matters
The Palmar Grasp Reflex helps develop:
● Early hand awareness
● Sensory input through touch
● Neural pathways between the hand and brain
● Eye-hand coordination
● Foundation for releasing, grasping, and manipulating objects
When this reflex remains active, a child may struggle with tasks requiring precise or fluid hand movements.
Signs of a Retained Palmar Reflex
A retained Palmar Reflex often shows up through:
Fine Motor Difficulties
● Immature grasp patterns
● Difficulty holding a pencil, crayon, or utensil
● Trouble with cutting, buttoning, zipping, tying shoes
● Poor hand strength or hand fatigue
Hand Posture & Movement Challenges
● Fingers curl involuntarily when the palm is touched
● Difficulty isolating finger movements
● Clumsy manipulation of small objects
● Dropping items easily
Handwriting & Classroom Impacts
● Heavy pencil grip
● Messy or slow handwriting
● Difficulty spacing letters
● Struggling to keep paper steady
Speech & Oral-Motor Connections
Because the mouth and hands share neurological pathways, retention may lead to:
● Oral sensitivity
● Tongue tension
● Speech articulation challenges
● Difficulty with feeding textures
Sensory Sensitivities
● Avoiding messy play
● Overreaction to touch on the hands
● Difficulty tolerating textures
How a Retained Palmar Reflex Affects Development
If the Palmar Reflex remains active, children may rely on an immature “fisted” grip or over-grip, affecting their ability to:
● Write neatly and efficiently
● Use both hands together
● Manipulate tools (scissors, utensils, pencils)
● Complete self-help tasks
● Coordinate hand movements with vision
It can also influence emotional regulation, because fine motor frustration often leads to overwhelm.
What Causes the Palmar Reflex to Stay Retained?
Several early developmental factors can contribute, such as:
● Limited tummy time
● Prematurity or NICU stay
● Developmental delays
● Low sensory input to the hands
● Neurological immaturity
● Birth trauma
● Chronic hand fisting or tight grasp patterns
How Nuro Function Helps Integrate the Palmar Reflex
At Nuro Function, we focus on integrating retained reflexes through purposeful movement, sensory experiences, and motor development.
Our approach may include:
Reflex Integration Patterns
Gentle hand-opening/closing patterns to help the brain complete the reflex cycle.
Tactile Play & Sensory Input
Hands-on materials like putty, rice bins, bean trays, and textures to support sensory tolerance.
Fine Motor Strengthening
Activities that improve hand separation, finger isolation, and refined grasp patterns.
Bilateral Coordination Work
Cross-body and two-hand activities to improve communication between brain hemispheres.
Eye-Hand Coordination
Games and movement sequences that connect vision with hand movement.
Oral-Motor Co-regulation
Supporting the mouth-hand connection when needed to improve feeding and speech.
Many parents notice improvements such as:
● Better handwriting
● More confidence with buttons, zippers, and utensils
● Better grip strength
● More precise finger movements
● Reduced sensory defensiveness
When to Seek Support
If your child avoids fine motor tasks, fatigues easily, or struggles with grip and handwriting, a retained Palmar Reflex may be part of the picture.
Nuro Function offers reflex assessments, individualized neuro-movement plans, and hands-on support to help your child develop the hand control, strength, and coordination needed for everyday success.
What Is the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)?
The Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) appears around 18 weeks in utero and plays a critical role in early development. When a baby turns their head to one side, the arm and leg on that side straighten (extend) while the opposite arm and leg bend (flex).
This creates the classic “fencer’s pose.”
The ATNR helps with:
● Hand-eye coordination
● Early rolling patterns
● Crossing the midline
● Visual tracking
● Bilateral brain development
The reflex normally integrates around 6 months of age, allowing babies to use both sides of their bodies together without head position affecting movement.
When ATNR does not fully integrate, it can affect coordination, handwriting, reading, balance, and classroom learning.
Why the ATNR Matters
The ATNR establishes foundational brain connections between:
● Eyes and hands
● Left and right body sides
● Both brain hemispheres
It helps the body learn how to coordinate movement and how to visually track objects while the head moves.
This reflex is essential for future skills like crawling, writing, reading, and sports.
Signs of a Retained ATNR
A retained ATNR often shows up during tasks where the head turns or eyes need to track across midline.
Handwriting Challenges
● Difficulty writing across the page
● Head turning while writing
● Paper drifting or rotating
● Poor spacing or letter alignment
● Slow, labor-intensive handwriting
Reading Difficulties
● Losing place when reading
● Trouble tracking words across a line
● Skipping words or lines
● Fatigue during reading tasks
Movement & Coordination Troubles
● Difficulty with crawling (crawled early/late, skipped crawling, or used “army crawl”)
● Balance issues when turning the head
● Awkward gait or arm swing
● Challenges with sports that require tracking a moving object
Postural & Sensory Indicators
● Slouching or leaning during table work
● Poor midline crossing
● Preference for one side of the body
● Difficulty using both hands together (e.g., holding paper + writing)
Behavior & Emotional Regulation
● Frustration with writing or school tasks
● Avoiding fine motor activities
● Overwhelm when the environment is visually busy
If a child struggles to coordinate the two sides of their body, ATNR is often one of the reflexes involved.
How a Retained ATNR Affects Development
When ATNR is active, the head dictates body movement.
So if a child turns their head while writing, looking around, or participating in sports, their arm or leg may involuntarily move.
This can make it hard to:
● Sit still without fidgeting
● Write smoothly and efficiently
● Track visually from left to right
● Coordinate hands for tasks like tying shoes or cutting
● Maintain balance during sports
It can also create foundational challenges in:
● Crossing midline
● Bilateral coordination
● Eye-hand coordination
● Core stability
What Causes ATNR Retention?
Retention can occur due to:
● Prematurity or NICU experience
● Birth trauma
● Limited tummy time
● Skipping or shortening crawling phases
● Neurological immaturity
● Developmental delays
● Chronic head turning preference (e.g., torticollis)
How Nuro Function Helps Integrate the ATNR
At Nuro Function, we support reflex integration through intentional, rhythmic movement patterns backed by sensory and motor development science.
Our approach may include:
Reflex Integration Movements
Targeted activities that promote head turning, arm extension/flexion, and brain-body communication.
Midline-Crossing Activities
Games and exercises that help the child build strong left-right brain cooperation.
Eye-Hand Coordination
Activities that strengthen tracking, convergence, and visual focus.
Bilateral Coordination
Exercises where both sides of the body work together smoothly.
Core Strength and Posture
Stability-building movements to support better handwriting and seated work.
Crawling & Patterning Work
Reintegrating developmental milestones to strengthen neural pathways.
Parents often report improvements such as:
● Better handwriting and reading
● Greater coordination in sports
● Less frustration at school
● Improved balance and posture
● More confidence and smoother movement
When to Seek Support
If your child struggles with handwriting, reading, balance, or coordinating both sides of the body, an unintegrated ATNR may be contributing.
Nuro Function provides reflex assessments and individualized neuro-movement plans to help your child build stronger motor coordination, visual tracking, and learning readiness.
What Is the Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)?
The Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) typically appears around 6–9 months of age and plays an essential role in helping babies transition from lying down to crawling. Unlike the ATNR, which works across both sides of the body, the STNR works in an upper/lower body pattern.
When the head moves:
● Head looks up → arms straighten, legs bend
● Head looks down → arms bend, legs straighten
This reflex helps babies learn how to coordinate their upper and lower body separately, which is necessary for crawling on hands and knees, developing posture, and building core strength.
The STNR usually integrates between 9–11 months. If it does not fully integrate, it can significantly impact posture, coordination, attention, and classroom learning.
Why the STNR Matters
The STNR is critical for developing:
● Crawling patterns
● Postural control
● Eye-hand coordination
● Distance vision and visual tracking
● Core strength
● Attention and sitting posture
When the STNR remains active, a child may struggle to sit still, maintain good posture, or separate head movement from body movement — all important for learning.
Signs of a Retained STNR
Posture & Sitting Challenges
● Slumped or “W-sitting” posture
● Difficulty sitting upright at a desk
● Frequently leaning on hands or furniture
● Needing to move constantly to stay comfortable
Movement & Coordination Difficulties
● Awkward crawling (late, skipped, or unusual pattern)
● Difficulty with swimming, climbing, or coordinated sports
● Challenges transitioning from floor to standing
● Poor upper/lower body coordination
Fine Motor & Academic Impacts
● Trouble copying from the board
● Difficulty maintaining visual focus while writing
● Slow, tiring handwriting
● Difficulty sitting still long enough to complete tasks
Behavior & Attention
Because posture affects attention, children with retained STNR may appear:
● Fidgety
● Distractible
● Restless
● Easily fatigued in seated tasks
Often, these children WANT to do well—they’re just fighting against a reflex-driven postural pattern.
Visual Effects
● Difficulty shifting focus from near (desk) to far (board)
● Losing place while reading
● Poor depth perception
● Trouble with ball sports
How a Retained STNR Affects Development
A child with an active STNR may struggle to separate head movement from body movement.
This can lead to:
● Poor posture and core weakness
● Difficulty sitting for more than a few minutes
● Fatigue during writing or reading
● Trouble with bilateral coordination
● Delayed motor skills
● Frustration with school work
Children may be misidentified as “unfocused,” when the real issue is neurological, not behavioral.
What Causes STNR Retention?
Several factors can contribute to non-integration:
● Prematurity or NICU stay
● Limited tummy time
● Skipped or shortened crawling phase
● Developmental delays
● Birth trauma
● Prolonged time in baby equipment (swings, bouncers, seats)
● Vestibular or core weakness
How Nuro Function Helps Integrate the STNR
At Nuro Function, we use neuro-movement and reflex integration therapies to help the brain complete the STNR pattern and build better postural and motor control.
Our support may include:
Reflex Integration Exercises
Activities that target head/neck control, arm/leg dissociation, and crawling patterns.
Crawling & Quadruped Work
Reintroducing developmental patterns that strengthen core stability and bilateral coordination.
Vestibular & Proprioceptive Input
Movements that improve balance, body awareness, and postural endurance.
Visual-Motor Integration
Activities to support near-far focus and eye tracking.
Core Strengthening
Exercises that improve posture and make seated learning more comfortable.
Parents often notice improvements such as:
● Better posture
● Less fidgeting at the table
● Stronger crawling/climbing/swimming coordination
● Smoother handwriting
● Better focus and endurance
● Greater overall body control
When to Seek Support
If your child struggles with posture, crawling history, handwriting, visual tracking, or attention during seated tasks, a retained STNR may be part of the picture.
Nuro Function offers reflex assessments and personalized neuro-movement programs to support healthy motor development, improved posture, and better learning readiness.
What Is the Spinal Galant Reflex?
The Spinal Galant Reflex is a primitive reflex present at birth that supports early movement, body awareness, and the birthing process. When the skin along one side of a baby’s lower back is stroked, the baby will automatically bend or “wiggle” toward that side.
This reflex helps:
● Stimulate movement during labor
● Develop the muscles needed for crawling
● Build early core activation
● Create communication between the spine and brain
The Spinal Galant Reflex typically integrates between 3–9 months of age.
If it remains active, it can contribute to challenges with attention, posture, toileting, sensory processing, and emotional regulation.
Why the Spinal Galant Reflex Matters
This reflex plays an important role in early development, helping babies build:
● Trunk rotation
● Hip mobility
● Core strength
● Sensory awareness along the spine
● Rhythmic movements needed for crawling
When the Spinal Galant doesn’t fully integrate, the body may remain overly sensitive to stimulation in the lower back and hips, leading to discomfort, restlessness, or difficulty sitting still.
Signs of a Retained Spinal Galant Reflex
Movement & Posture Challenges
● Constant fidgeting
● Poor posture during seated work
● Difficulty sitting still for long periods
● Wiggling, shifting, or leaning frequently
Sensory Sensitivities
● Sensitivity to waistbands, belts, or clothing tags
● Avoiding tight clothing or anything touching the lower back
● Appearing “ticklish” or reactive on the lower spine
Toileting & Bedwetting
A retained Spinal Galant is one of the most common reflexes associated with:
● Daytime urinary accidents
● Bedwetting past age 5–6
● Sudden urge to urinate when the lower back is stimulated
The reflex can directly activate the bladder, creating strong or unexpected urges.
Behavior & Attention
Because lower-back stimulation triggers movement, children may be labeled as:
● “Restless”
● “Can’t sit still”
● “Wiggly or distracted”
● “Touch-sensitive”
In reality, their nervous system is reacting to input they cannot control.
Motor & Learning Impacts
Retention can influence:
● Hip stability
● Coordination
● Balance
● Core activation
● Ability to stay stable during writing or reading tasks
How a Retained Spinal Galant Reflex Affects Development
When this reflex remains active, the nervous system may stay overly responsive to touch or movement around the spine.
This can lead to challenges such as:
● Trouble sitting still in school
● Avoidance of sports or activities requiring hip rotation
● Emotional dysregulation
● Sensory overwhelm
● Fidgeting to stay comfortable
These behaviors are often misunderstood as attention problems when they are neurological in origin.
What Causes the Spinal Galant to Stay Retained?
Common contributors include:
● C-section birth
● Rapid or prolonged labor
● Prematurity or NICU stay
● Limited tummy time
● Excessive time in carriers, swings, or seats
● Chronic digestive discomfort or constipation
● Sensory processing differences
How Nuro Function Helps Integrate the Spinal Galant Reflex
At Nuro Function, we use gentle neuro-movement and sensory-motor therapy to help integrate the Spinal Galant Reflex and support the nervous system.
Our approach may include:
Reflex Integration Movements
Targeted patterns that build trunk rotation, hip mobility, and core stability.
Tactile & Sensory Work
Gradual, controlled sensory input to reduce hypersensitivity along the spine.
Core Strengthening
Exercises that improve pelvic stability and postural endurance.
Crawling & Bilateral Movements
Reintroducing patterns that strengthen the connection between the upper and lower body.
Postural Training
Activities that support sustained attention and comfortable seated posture.
Parents often report improvements such as:
● Less fidgeting and wiggling
● Reduced clothing sensitivity
● Better posture
● Fewer toileting accidents or reduced bedwetting
● Greater comfort with movement and touch
When to Seek Support
If your child struggles with fidgeting, clothing sensitivities, toileting issues, or persistent restlessness, a retained Spinal Galant Reflex may be involved.
Nuro Function offers assessments and individualized neuro-movement plans to support reflex integration, sensory regulation, and stronger postural control.
How Nuro Function Approaches Reflex Integration
Our reflex integration services include:
Neuro-Movement-Based Therapy
Rhythmic, purposeful movements that help the brain complete reflex integration.
Sensory-Motor Activities
Vestibular, proprioceptive, and tactile input to strengthen the body’s organization and regulation.
Core & Posture Development
Building the foundation needed for focus, balance, handwriting, and comfortable seated learning.
Visual-Motor & Coordination Support
Exercises that connect eye movements with body movements for stronger learning readiness.
Whole-Child Emotional Regulation
Helping children feel safer in their bodies so they can handle transitions, classroom demands, and daily routines with more confidence.
Who Is This For?
Primitive reflex integration may benefit children who experience:
● Emotional dysregulation
● Heightened sensitivity
● Difficulty focusing
● Handwriting challenges
● Sensory overwhelm
● Reading struggles
● Clumsiness or poor coordination
● Toe-walking
● Trouble sitting still
● Slow motor development
● Bedwetting (when medically cleared)
● Academic frustration
If your child struggles in any of these areas, retained reflexes may be a piece of the puzzle.
Ready to Support Your Child?
Nuro Function provides personalized assessments and individualized movement programs designed to strengthen the nervous system and help your child thrive.