PRIMITIVE REFLEXES

Primitive reflexes are present from the prenatal period and during the first years of life to help ensure an infant’s survival. However, if these reflexes are not properly integrated into the nervous system, they may remain active and keep the child in a constant state of survival, which can have a profound impact on their behaviour and learning.

​

Because primitive reflexes form the foundation of the learning pyramid, they play a key role in the development of the vestibular and proprioceptive systems, emotional regulation, motor skills (both gross and fine), as well as language development and social skills. When these reflexes are not integrated, they can also interfere with academic learning. Core cognitive processes required for reading—such as attention, auditory processing, and even hand-eye coordination—can be affected, making learning to read more challenging.

In addition, non-integrated reflexes can keep the brain in a state of survival (fight, flight, freeze, or fawn), preventing the child from accessing the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for reasoning, thinking, and learning. 

Fortunately, there are ways to help! Simple exercises, incorporated into daily physical activity, can support students in integrating these reflexes, helping them organize their brains and better prepare for learning on social, emotional, and academic levels.