Primitive Reflexes, Retained Reflexes, Neurodevelopment, Reflex Integration, Brain & Nervous System, Child Development, Learning & Behaviour, Coordination & Motor Skills, Reading & School Readiness, Sensory Processing, Adult Movement Patterns, Chronic Pain & Tension, Posture & Coordination, Nervous System Regulation, Stress & Overwhelm, Movement Therapy, Nervous System Assessment, Holistic Therapy, Functional Movement, Somatic Approaches, Cessnock Therapy, Maitland Therapy, Leichhardt Practitioner, Sydney Movement Therapy Brendan Smith Primitive Reflexes, Retained Reflexes, Neurodevelopment, Reflex Integration, Brain & Nervous System, Child Development, Learning & Behaviour, Coordination & Motor Skills, Reading & School Readiness, Sensory Processing, Adult Movement Patterns, Chronic Pain & Tension, Posture & Coordination, Nervous System Regulation, Stress & Overwhelm, Movement Therapy, Nervous System Assessment, Holistic Therapy, Functional Movement, Somatic Approaches, Cessnock Therapy, Maitland Therapy, Leichhardt Practitioner, Sydney Movement Therapy Brendan Smith

Retained Primitive Reflexes in Children and Adults: Clumsiness, Reading Difficulties and Chronic Tension Explained

Struggling with clumsiness, reading difficulties, poor coordination, or chronic tension—whether in childhood or adulthood—might have less to do with strength or posture and far more to do with retained primitive reflexes. These early‑life reflexes are meant to integrate as the brain matures, but when they don’t, they can quietly disrupt development, learning, emotional regulation, and movement patterns. Many children who appear “bright but behind,” avoid sport, fatigue easily, or find reading unusually hard are actually compensating for reflexes that never fully switched off. And adults dealing with recurring tightness, headaches, poor balance, or unexplained pain may be experiencing the same underlying issue.

Understanding primitive reflexes is one of the most powerful ways to uncover why someone is struggling—especially when stretching, strengthening, or generic exercises haven’t helped. If you’re in Cessnock, Maitland, Leichhardt, Sydney, Newcastle, or the Central Coast and you’re looking for meaningful change without guesswork, this guide explains what retained reflexes are, how they affect the nervous system, and what can be done to support long‑term improvement.

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