Primitive Reflexes

What Is a Neurodevelopmental Assessment?

A whole-child, brain-body approach inspired by leading neurodevelopmental science

A Neurodevelopmental Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that examines the foundational systems responsible for your child’s emotional regulation, movement, sensory processing, and learning. At Sensory Therapy Place, we go beyond traditional pediatric assessments by examining the brain–body pathways that support your child’s daily functioning—beginning as early as life in the womb. The earliest reflexive movements of the fetus are not random; they are the first expressions of the human blueprint, shaping how the nervous system perceives safety, organizes movement, and forms relationship with the world. 

Aligned with Michael Shea’s perspective, we recognize that health is not defined by the absence of symptoms, but by the body’s ongoing effort to maintain balance, coherence, and adaptive functioning. With this in mind, we assess the child as a whole—how stress is held in the body, how reflex patterns continue to influence behavior and movement, and how the nervous system has adapted over time.

Our goal is to understand not only what challenges a child is experiencing, but why those challenges are occurring and how their nervous system has arrived at this point. By identifying these underlying patterns, we can support the child’s natural capacity for integration, self-regulation, and overall well-being.

What are Primitive Reflexes?

Primitive reflexes are automatic, instinctual movements present at birth. They are generated by the brainstem, the most primitive part of the brain, and play a crucial role in helping infants survive and develop. These reflexes are not learned—they are innate, serving as the body’s first set of instructions for navigating the world. Most important primitive reflexes are encoded in our DNA.

Why Do They Matter?

Each reflex supports a vital developmental milestone. How? It's because the most critical primitive reflexes are genetically encoded within our DNA, reflecting an innate, evolutionarily conserved aspect of human neurodevelopment. These reflexes emerge in predictable sequences during fetal and early postnatal development, serving as foundational building blocks for motor control, sensory integration, and central nervous system maturation. Their presence and timely integration are essential for the typical trajectory of neurodevelopment, influencing postural control, balance, coordination, and cognitive processing. As the brain matures, especially the cortex (the "thinking brain"), these reflexes should be "integrated"—replaced by more voluntary, sophisticated movements. When they remain active past their expected timeline, they can interfere with natural development.

So What Happens When Reflexes Don’t Integrate?

When primitive reflexes are retained—meaning they remain active beyond infancy—they can disrupt everything from self-feeding to emotional self-control. Children may seem overly reactive, clumsy, anxious, or unable to sit still. Adults may struggle with focus, posture, or even chronic stress, unaware that their nervous system is still wired for survival rather than safety.