Jacqui Ellis from Deep Connexions shares how simple daily exercises can help your child thrive by tackling the root of developmental challenges.
At Deep Connexions, I work with families to help children overcome developmental challenges rooted in early neuromotor immaturity. This article shares insights into what retained reflexes are, how they can affect learning and behaviour, and the benefits of enrolling in a personalised reflex integration programme.
We are all born with primitive reflexes that help us survive our earliest months. In the first year of life, we’re naturally wired to go through developmental movements that transform these reflexes and mature our central nervous system. This process lays the foundation for sensory and motor integration, emotional regulation, and cognitive development.
Problems can occur when key milestones—like crawling—are skipped or not practiced enough. If these reflexes remain immature or active, children may struggle with coordination, balance, emotional regulation, and learning.
Think of it like building a house on quicksand. Without a solid foundation, everything feels unstable. For a child with retained reflexes, even everyday learning tasks can be exhausting. These struggles often show up as challenging behaviour or academic difficulties, creating stress and confusion within the whole family.
The good news is that a personalised reflex integration programme can help. These programmes use simple, specific exercises (provided by a trained practitioner) practiced daily for 10–15 minutes over a 12-18 month period. Working together, we’ll uncover the root of your child’s challenges and equip you with practical tools to support their growth and resilience in a nurturing way.
Case Study
A mother approached me, concerned about her 7-year-old daughter who was falling behind in reading, writing, and numeracy. The child was very shy, hyper-alert, and avoided new activities. She needed constant encouragement, reversed letters, skipped words, misread questions, and refused to read aloud. She also became distressed in the car and was often agitated and frustrated at home.
In reviewing her early history, it emerged that mum had suffered two miscarriages before conceiving. Her daughter’s birth was quick; she was born lip-tied, suffered from torticollis, and struggled to breastfeed. Infant eczema made her skin highly sensitive, and the early months were marked by stress. Developmentally, she skipped crawling and moved straight to bottom shuffling, as if trying to escape danger—classic signs of unintegrated survival reflexes.
A diagnostic assessment confirmed that the Fear Paralysis and Moro (Startle) Reflexes were still active.
We began a personalised movement programme starting with proprioceptive exercises to help her feel safe and aware in her body. Over time, we progressed through reflex integration exercises in developmental sequence.
After just three months, she was participating in class, answering questions, and writing more. At six months, she was independently reading and writing stories, and had even learned to ride a bike.
By the nine-month mark, she had become more independent, organised for school, and had moved up several reading levels. She also advanced a grade in ballet.
At her final review, her mum shared how she was thriving creatively and academically. She was now able to regulate her emotions, write prolifically, and had transitioned to senior school with confidence—something her mother once thought impossible.
If you’re curious about how retained reflexes might be affecting your child—or would like to know more about neuromotor immaturity—please get in touch at email hidden; JavaScript is required
