Primitive Reflex Integration
What is Primitive
Reflex Integration?
Alignment Kids Primitive Reflex Integration Therapy focuses on helping children integrate the reflexes that typically emerge during infancy and are meant to be naturally outgrown or “integrated” as your child matures. When primitive reflexes persist beyond the usual developmental window, they can sometimes interfere with learning, movement, coordination, and even sensory processing.
Why Is Primitive Reflex Integration Important?
If one or more primitive reflexes remain “active,” children may experience challenges with:
Fine and gross motor skills (e.g., handwriting, balance, posture)
Sensory processing and self-regulation
Attention and concentration in classroom settings
Reading, writing, and overall academic performance
By integrating these reflexes, children can often develop a more stable foundation for movement, learning, and overall developmental progress.
Integrating Retained Primitive Reflexes Can Help With:
Handwriting
Increasing Attention
Emotional Developement and Regulation Skills
Sensory Processing
Enhanced Posture
Increased Balance and Coordionation Skills
Hyperactivity
How Primitive Reflex Integration Can Help Your Child?
Improved Motor Skills and Posture
By integrating retained reflexes, children often develop smoother coordination, stronger core stability, and better postural control. These improvements also positively affect fine motor tasks like handwriting and self-feeding.
Greater Focus and Readiness for Learning
As foundational motor and sensory skills become more organised, children may experience greater self-assurance and a smoother ability to manage frustration or anxiety. This can foster resilience in social settings.
Increased Confidence and Emotional Regulation
When persistent reflexes are integrated, the brain can concentrate on higher-level tasks. Targeted reflex integration can lead to enhanced attention, improved classroom participation, and overall academic engagement.
Primitive Reflex Integration
Sunshine Coast
Our service provides Primitive Reflex Integration therapy both in-clinic, through mobile (in-home) sessions on the Sunshine Coast and via Telehealth across the world. Please contact us for more information or to discuss whether this therapy aligns with your child’s individual needs and goals.
Get Started With Primitive Reflex Therapy in 3 Easy Steps
-
Fill Out the Intake Form
Complete the intake form to provide us with important information and ensure a smooth start to your child’s journey.
-
Assessment
During your child’s first session, we will discover your child’s strengths and needs via a comprehensive assessment.
-
Get Started
Together, we will establish a treatment plan for future sessions to enable your child to move toward their goals.
FAQs
-
Primitive Reflex Integration Therapy focuses on helping children integrate reflexes that naturally appear in infancy and should resolve as a child matures. If these reflexes remain active, they can sometimes affect motor development, coordination, learning, and sensory processing. By addressing retained reflexes, therapy aims to support more efficient movement and learning patterns.
-
Rhythmical Movement Therapy, which draws on the work of Moira Dempsey, involves gentle, repetitive movements designed to stimulate and integrate specific reflexes. These rhythmic exercises may help develop postural control, improve muscle tone, and promote overall sensory-motor development. When used alongside other methods, such as play-based activities, RMT can be a valuable tool in a holistic approach.
-
Play-based strategies encourage children to learn and practice new movements and sensory experiences in a fun, engaging way. This can include games, obstacle courses, and hands-on activities. By combining structured exercises like RMT with playful exploration, children can stay motivated and better retain the new skills they’re developing.
-
Primitive Reflex Integration Therapy can complement other interventions—such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, or speech therapy—by addressing foundational motor patterns. Once reflexes are better organised, children may find it easier to build on advanced skills like handwriting, speech articulation, or functional movement.
-
The recommended frequency varies depending on your child’s specific needs, goals, and response to therapy. Many families find that 1–2 sessions per week or a short-term intensive block is effective, especially when combined with daily practice at home. Your therapist will assess your child’s progress and tailor the schedule to optimize results while avoiding burnout.
-
Every child is different, so the timeframe can vary. Some families report noticeable changes after a few weeks of regular practice, while others may see more gradual progress. Factors such as consistency in home practice, the child’s individual needs, and the specific reflexes involved all play a role in how quickly changes occur.
-
Although primitive reflex integration typically targets younger children (infants through early school years), older children and even adults with retained reflexes can also benefit. Therapists will adapt exercises to suit the individual’s developmental stage and physical abilities.
-
Parents will recieve training during sessions but don’t typically need any formal training. Guidance from a qualified therapist is important to ensure exercises are done correctly and safely. Often, therapists will provide simple instructions or demonstrations so you can confidently practice these movements at home between sessions.
-
Sessions often include a mix of rhythmical movement exercises, play-based tasks, and sensory-motor activities tailored to your child’s unique reflex patterns. Your therapist will regularly monitor progress and adjust exercises as needed, ensuring therapy remains both challenging and engaging.
-
Yes. While in-person sessions can offer direct observation and hands-on guidance, many families find that virtual therapy sessions are still highly beneficial. Through live video, our therapists demonstrate movements, observe your child’s responses, and coach you in real time. It’s a collaborative approach that often works well when combined with regular at-home practice.
For Telehealth to be a good option, you will need:
• A stable internet connection
• A computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone
• A quiet, open space for your child to move around safely
Most exercises require little to no extra equipment, but your therapist will let you know in advance if any specific items (e.g., a mat or cushion) are recommended.
Primitive Reflex Integration (PRI) is gaining recognition as a way to help address retained reflexes—automatic movements present in infancy but meant to be naturally inhibited as a child matures. When these reflexes remain “active,” they can potentially affect physical coordination, learning, sensory processing, and emotional regulation.
Where Does the Research Come From?
Professionals and parents often draw on a growing body of research and clinical observations to support PRI. Some of the most referenced sources discuss:
Innate Infant Movements: Studies of rhythmic rocking, crawling, and reflexive movements in infants suggest these actions are key for brain development, balance, and sensory-motor growth.
Retained Reflexes and Delays: Multiple papers link unintegrated primitive reflexes to challenges such as ADHD, motor coordination issues, anxiety, and difficulties with reading or writing.
Positive Outcomes with Intervention: Research exploring rhythmical movement therapy and similar neurodevelopmental approaches shows potential benefits in areas like reading fluency, balance, muscle tone, and even emotional regulation.
