Reflex Integration for Kids with Autism & Whole Body Apraxia

When we think about how our kids move, communicate, and learn, it’s easy to focus on what we can see—like walking, writing, or speaking. But underneath all of those skills is a hidden foundation that starts developing before a baby can even roll over. This foundation is made up of reflexes—automatic movements that help build the brain and body connection.
For some children, especially those with autism or whole-body apraxia, certain reflexes don’t fully integrate. This can create challenges with movement, coordination, attention, and even communication. The good news? We can help.
In this post, we’ll break down:

• What reflexes are and why they matter
• How “intentional movement” builds skills
• The role of vision in movement
• Why regulation is essential for learning
• Practical ways to help your child succeed with spelling, typing, and daily tasks

1. What Are Reflexes?

Reflexes are involuntary (automatic) movements that appear at birth or within the first few months of life. They are part of the body’s built-in survival system.

You can think of a reflex like a loop: there’s a specific trigger (stimulus) and then a predictable response. For example, touch a baby’s palm and they’ll automatically grasp your finger—that’s a reflex in action.

Primitive Reflexes: The Starting Point

Primitive reflexes are present at birth and help build the foundation for the nervous system. Over time, as babies grow and explore movement, these reflexes fade away (or integrate) to make room for more controlled, intentional actions.
But when reflexes don’t integrate, they can cause challenges with:

• Coordinating movement
• Processing sensory information
• Reaching developmental milestones
• Staying regulated in daily life

This miscommunication between brain cells (neurons) affects how the body moves and responds. Some reflexes stay with us forever for survival purposes, but the early ones need to integrate for healthy development.

Key Reflexes and Their Impact

Let’s look at a few important reflexes and what happens if they’re retained:

• Moro Reflex (“Startle Reflex”)
  Triggered by sudden movement, loud sounds, or a feeling of falling. Normally integrates by 2–4 months. If retained, a child may be overly sensitive to sensory input, easily startled, and in constant “fight or flight” mode.
• Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)
  Involves head and posture control. If retained, children may have trouble sitting up, seem clumsy, toe-walk, or misjudge distances.
• Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)
  Helps prepare for crawling. If retained past 6 months, kids may have difficulty crossing midline (using both sides of the body together), poor coordination, and visual tracking issues.
• Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)
  Supports crawling and appears between 6–9 months. If retained, children may have weak posture, low muscle tone, or hypermobile joints.
• Palmar Reflex
  The automatic hand-grasp reflex. If retained, fine motor skills like writing or buttoning may be harder.

Remember: Core strength develops before fine motor skills. If the core is weak, both large and small movements (including eye movements) can be affected.

2. Supporting Reflex Integration

The best way to support reflex integration is through intentional movement—purposeful, repeated activities that strengthen brain-body connections.
Ways to encourage integration:

• Physical exercise tailored to the child’s needs
• Hobbies and recreational activities
• Daily living skills (dressing, eating, showering)
• Occupational therapy programs targeting retained reflexes
• Vision therapy with a developmental optometrist

When reflexes integrate, movement becomes smoother, coordination improves, and activities like spelling and typing become easier.

3. What Is Intentional Movement?

Intentional movement—also called praxis—is voluntary, purposeful action directed by thought. It’s the difference between a reflex and a deliberate action.

The process includes:

1. Ideation – Thinking of the action (“I want a glass of water”)
2. Planning & Sequencing – Deciding the steps needed
3. Initiating – Starting the movement
4. Adapting – Making changes if something goes wrong
5. Completing & Inhibiting – Finishing and stopping the action

When someone has whole body apraxia, there’s a breakdown in this process—especially in initiating movement. About 67% of individuals with autism also have whole body apraxia, meaning the “brain-body connection” is disrupted.

The Sensory-Motor Feedback Loop

Movement depends on the nervous system taking in and processing sensory information—touch, sound, vision, movement, and more. When this system works well, movement flows.

In autism, sensory processing may be over- or under-responsive:

• Seeking sensory input (spinning, deep pressure, visual stimulation)
• Avoiding sensory input (loud noises, bright lights, certain textures)
• If the sensory system is out of balance, motor control is harder and regulation suffers.

4. Regulation: The Key to Learning and Moving

Regulation means keeping a steady level of alertness, attention, and emotional balance. Without it, intentional movement is difficult.

Two ways to support regulation:

• Bottom-Up (Sensory) Approach – Uses sensory input to help the body feel balanced (e.g., deep pressure, movement, calming sounds).
• Top-Down (Cognitive) Approach – Uses thinking and engagement to shift attention and calm the body (e.g., reading, listening to a podcast).

Many children benefit from both approaches, depending on the day and situation.

Supporting Regulation at Home

• Learn your child’s sensory profile with the help of an OT.
• Be mindful of your voice volume, body movements, and the environment.
• Use rhythm in your voice or activities—it’s naturally regulating.
• Offer engaging, high-interest lessons to support top-down regulation.
• Use intentional movement activities like spelling to help shift from impulsive to purposeful actions.

5. Coaching the Body

When helping your child with a task, break it down into steps.

Instead of saying, “Go sit in the chair,” try:

• “Get your eyes on the chair.”
• “Bring your foot forward.”
• “Turn your body.”
• “Bend your knees and sit.”

Always start with the eyes—the eyes lead the body.

At Spellers Center Tampa, we specialize in coaching the body and breaking tasks into manageable steps.

Key Takeaways for Parents

• Retained reflexes can affect movement, coordination, and learning.
• Intentional movement builds brain-body connections and supports skills like spelling.
• Regulation is the foundation for effective movement.
• Posture and core strength matter for communication and daily activities.
• Coaching movement step-by-step helps your child become more independent.

If your child struggles with coordination, attention, or motor skills, consider working with:

• An Occupational Therapist trained in reflex integration and apraxia
• A Developmental Optometrist for vision-related motor challenges

With the right support, your child can build stronger brain-body connections, move with more confidence, and achieve their goals—one intentional step at a time.

Be sure to check out the Spellers Documentary to see how Spellers Method has impacted so many people’s lives.