Fact or Fiction? Finding Real Answers for Your Child’s Big Challenges
You know something’s going on…now what?
When your child is struggling, the last thing you need is confusion. But in a world full of mixed messages and misinformation, it’s hard to know what to believe. If your kiddo is facing retained reflexes (tap here for a quick refresher on retained reflexes) or you're navigating the road toward a diagnosis, you need more than guesses – you need real answers. And just as importantly, you need truth you can stand on, so you’re not left doubting your instincts, your decisions, or your love for your child.
So let’s take a moment to separate fact from fiction, because the right answers can make all the difference.
There is no real connection between the brain and the body. Fact or Fiction?
Fiction, of course! If you’ve ever had a stomach ache when you’re nervous or seen someone break out in hives because of anxiety, you know for a fact that the brain and body are intimately connected. Kids who experience trouble with reading, attention, handwriting, fine motor skills, and even balance are often found to have retained primitive reflexes – and getting to the root of their problem can be life-changing. What’s happening between their brains and bodies needs to be properly diagnosed, attended to, and treated just like any other medical issue.
My kid definitely just has ADHD. Fact or Fiction?
What looks like ADHD might actually be your child’s nervous system asking for help.
Well, we can’t say for sure without seeing them. But the truth is, retained primitive reflexes are often mistaken for an ADHD diagnosis because of so many overlapping symptoms (more on that here). What can look like a focus or behavior issue may actually stem from a nervous system that hasn’t fully matured. When primary motor patterns don’t integrate, it can leave the brain in a constant state of dysregulation. In many cases, the brain is so busy compensating for unintegrated reflexes that it struggles to focus, self-regulate, or stay still, which mimics the core symptoms of ADHD.
Retained Primitive Reflexes improve on their own. Fact or Fiction?
Fiction. Reflexes may never fully integrate on their own without proper intervention. But this doesn’t mean your child can’t get better! Lots of therapeutic practices are available for kids whose reflexes have been retained in survival mode since birth. There are so many easy ways to help your child move forward, learn, and develop both physically and mentally as their body and brain learn to keep up with each other! Our therapists specialize in identifying retained reflexes, and helping kids work through those challenges with science-backed strategies.
Ready to explore what’s really going on with your child’s development? Book an appointment with us today. We’d love to help!
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