Last week I wrote about the importance of early developing reflexes for brain development.  This week, we’ll have a brief look at the importance of those reflexes being integrated into developing brain functions.  Once the brain has developed certain areas, the early reflexes are no longer needed, so any sign of them still being present is a red flag for healthy neurodevelopment. 

They should ‘disappear’ after infancy but when they persist,  they can interfere with:

Cognitive Skills

• Difficulty with focus and attention
• Challenges in reading and writing due to poor eye tracking or hand-eye coordination
• Trouble with processing sensory input, leading to overstimulation or withdrawal

Motor Skills

• Poor balance and posture
• Awkward or delayed gross motor skills (e.g., walking, jumping)
• Struggles with fine motor control, affecting tasks like handwriting or using utensils

Emotional Regulation

• Heightened anxiety or emotional reactivity
• Difficulty with self-soothing
• Challenges in social interaction due to sensory overload or impulsivity

Early interventions that make a difference

The good news? Reflex integration can be supported through targeted activities.  ILT is an approach that uses a movement based programme to stimulate the brainstem and promote reflex inhibition.   Activities like crawling and rolling mimic early developmental stages.  These give the brain a ‘second chance’ to complete unfinished reflex integration and thus help brain development.

Why Early Support Matters

Early intervention can:

• Prevent academic and social delays
• Improve self-confidence and independence
• Reduce frustration for both child and caregivers

Some home-based activities

Home-based activities for reflex integration can be playful, simple, and surprisingly effective. These exercises help the nervous system “rewire” and support healthy development — especially for children with retained primitive reflexes. Here are some engaging options you can try at home:

Rhythmic Movement Exercises

These mimic early developmental patterns and stimulate the brainstem.

• Cross Crawls: Touch your right elbow to your left knee and alternate. Great for integrating the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR).
• Homolateral Crawling: Crawl with same-side limbs moving together. Helps with coordination and body awareness.
• Rocking on Hands and Knees: Gently rock back and forth to stimulate vestibular input and calm the nervous system.

Balance & Core Muscle Activities

These help with postural control and inhibit reflexes like the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR).

• Animal Walks: Bear walk, crab walk, or frog jumps — fun and functional!
• Balance Beam: Use a strip of tape on the floor and walk heel-to-toe.
• Yoga for Kids: Poses like “tree,” “cat-cow,” and “downward dog” build strength and coordination.

Sensory Play

Supports sensory integration and emotional regulation.

• Sand or Rice Bin Exploration: Hide small toys and let kids dig with their hands.
• Water Play: Pouring, scooping, and splashing stimulate tactile and proprioceptive senses.
• Textured Crafts: Use cotton balls, foil, fabric, and beads to create art with varied textures.

Music & Movement

Rhythmic activities help regulate reflexes and improve timing.

• Dancing to Music: Encourage free movement to different tempos.
• Clapping Games: Try “Pat-a-cake” or rhythm clapping to build coordination.
• Marching & Drumming: Great for bilateral coordination and auditory processing.

Image supplied by Freepik.