Primitive Reflex Assessments

At Activate OT, we assess primitive reflexes as part of our comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations, helping to understand how early movement patterns may be influencing a young person’s motor skills, coordination, and daily function. 

Close-up of textured therapy balls in pink, blue, and orange, with a blurry plush crocodile in the background. The scene appears to be indoors, possibly in a playroom or therapy room.

Primitive reflexes are automatic movements present from birth that typically integrate (or fade) as the nervous system matures. If these reflexes persist beyond early childhood, they can impact posture, coordination, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and learning.

Why Do We Assess Primitive Reflexes?

Persistent retained reflexes can contribute to challenges such as:

  • Poor balance and coordination

  • Difficulties with fine and gross motor skills (e.g., handwriting, dressing, sports)

  • Sensory sensitivities or difficulties with sensory regulation

  • Challenges with attention, focus, and impulse control

  • Postural instability or fatigue in seated tasks

  • Difficulty crossing the midline, affecting reading and writing

By identifying retained reflexes, we can better understand underlying motor and sensory processing challenges that may be impacting a child's daily life.

Person in a pink sweater and dark pants jumping on a hopscotch game drawn with chalk on a paved sidewalk.

How We Integrate Reflex Assessments into Our Comprehensive Approach

Our reflex assessments are not standalone but form part of a broader evaluation that considers sensory processing, motor coordination, and functional skills. We use assessments such as:

  • Motor ABC-3 â€“ To evaluate motor coordination and postural control.

  • Beery VMI â€“ To assess visual-motor integration and fine motor skills.

  • Sensory Integration Assessments (EASI, Play-Based Assessments) â€“ To explore sensory and movement challenges in real-world contexts.

If retained reflexes are identified, we incorporate targeted movement-based interventions into therapy plans to support neurological development and functional skills. This may include specific exercises, sensory integration activities, and play-based strategies to help the nervous system integrate these reflexes naturally.

Person lying on a red wheeled board on the floor in a hallway, playfully reaching for a small blue object, wearing a green shirt and overalls, with a red and black eye patch or novelty accessory on their face. A yellow textured object is on the floor nearby.

By addressing retained reflexes as part of a holistic assessment, we ensure that our therapy approach is tailored, evidence-based, and designed to support children in developing confidence, coordination, and independence in their everyday lives.

Navigation