#365 - What Pregnancy & Birth Can Tell Us About Retained Reflexes

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We’re diving deep into the why behind retained primitive reflexes. These early movement patterns are essential in infancy—but when they don’t integrate properly, they can lead to challenges with regulation, development, and everyday functioning.

We cover some of the most common causes of retained reflexes, including:

• Neurological immaturity

• Birth trauma or complications during delivery

• Lack of early movement (think: limited tummy time or crawling)

• Environmental stressors during pregnancy

• Prematurity and other perinatal factors

• Genetic predispositions

We also highlight insights from Sally Goddard Blythe’s work on neuromotor immaturity and how these retained reflexes can show up in both kids and adults.

We also respond to a thoughtful question from a literacy coach about a 5-year-old with ADHD. We explore possible sensory and neurological factors at play—and share ideas for supporting regulation and integration through movement.

This is a must-listen for parents, therapists, and educators who want to better understand the foundational role of reflexes in child development.

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Neuromotor Immaturity in Children and Adults by Sally Goddard Blyth

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