Understanding the Hidden Developmental Barriers Behind Behaviour and Learning Challenges
As teachers and parents, we all want the same thing:
“For our children to flourish socially, emotionally, and cognitively in their learning environments.”
Yet increasingly, children are entering preschools and schools unable to settle, focus, engage, or regulate their emotions and or behaviour. Traditional approaches to behaviour and learning support for our children are falling short, because children’s brain and neurological foundations have not yet been laid.
If your child is struggling and you’re unsure why, it may be time to dive deeper into the world of primitive reflexes, sensory processing, and early neurological development.
What Are Primitive Reflexes—and Why Do They Matter?
Primitive reflexes are the automatic movement patterns present at birth. These reflexes form the foundation for survival and motor development in infancy, but they should naturally integrate or become inhibited within the first year of life.
When reflexes such as the Moro (startle), ATNR (asymmetrical tonic neck reflex), or TLR (tonic labyrinthine reflex) remain active beyond their expected developmental window, they can disrupt a child’s physical coordination, emotional regulation, focus, attention, and learning capacity.
Key signs of retained reflexes include:
- Constant fidgeting or poor posture
- Overreacting to stimuli (sights, sounds, textures)
- Struggles with pencil grip, cutting, or crossing the midline
- Difficulty focusing, following instructions, or managing transitions
- Emotional outbursts that seem out of proportion
Children with retained reflexes are not being “difficult.” Their nervous system is still wired for survival, not for learning.
The Role of Sensory Integration
Sensory integration refers to the brain’s ability to receive, process, and respond appropriately to sensory input. Children with sensory processing differences may appear distracted, overwhelmed, overly rough in play, or resistant to new environments. For some, the classroom is too noisy. For others, sitting still is neurologically uncomfortable.
When primitive reflexes remain active, they interfere with sensory integration. This creates a double barrier to learning: the body can’t stabilise, and the brain can’t focus.
For example:
- A child with a retained TLR may feel disoriented in space, making them anxious or fearful in open environments like the playground.
- A retained Moro reflex may lead to hypersensitivity to sound, triggering meltdowns in noisy classrooms.
- A retained ATNR can prevent a child from comfortably writing or reading across the page, often mistaken for dyslexia or attention issues.
How This Manifests in the Classroom
Children experiencing these challenges are often misunderstood as “disruptive”, “anxious”, “lazy”, or “immature”. Their behaviour is a reflection of neurological immaturity.
Teachers and Parents may see:
- Delays in fine or gross motor skills
- Difficulty engaging in group play or following classroom routines
- Frequent emotional dysregulation (meltdowns, withdrawal, impulsivity)
- Poor spatial awareness, clumsiness, or avoidance of physical activity
- Inconsistent progress despite high effort and engagement
What Can Be Done?
This is where early childhood educators, leaders, and families play a pivotal role. With the right awareness and intervention, children can be supported to build the neurological foundations they have missed.
Steps Forward:
Observe and Identify Patterns
Track when behaviours occur such as transitions, sitting still, handwriting, group time and link them to sensory or motor triggers.
Provide Movement Rich Learning Environments
Incorporate outdoor play, balance and coordination activities, and midline crossing exercises to support primitive reflexes inhibition and motor development.
Embed Sensory Regulation into Daily Routines
Offer sensory breaks, weighted objects, visual supports, and calming corners. Avoid punitive responses to dysregulation.
Engage in Professional Learning
Ensure educators and leadership teams understand the importance of sensory motor integration and brain development and how it impacts academic, behavioural and emotional outcomes.
Your Role as an Educator or Parent
As an educational leader and parent advocate, you have the power to shift the lens from behaviour to development. We must move beyond the surface and ask:
“What’s happening in this child’s body and brain that’s preventing them from fully participating?”
The answer may lie in the reflexes that never been inhibited or the sensory systems still struggling to connect the dots.
Final Thoughts
When a child struggles in preschool or school, we must look at all layers of brain foundational development before we label and wrongly diagnose children. Development is not linear, and many children today face significant neurological gaps stemming from birth experiences, screen time, limited movement opportunities, or trauma.
By understanding the critical role of primitive reflexes and sensory integration, we can intervene early, intentionally, and with empathy. And in doing so, we offer each child not just coping strategies but a foundation for lifelong learning.
Ready to Learn More?
At Life Learning, our online courses are packed with strategies to support child development through movement, brain science, and sensory integration.
Explore our “Understanding Boys” course and other resources at www.lifelearning.co.nz
Join our global community of educators and parents creating better futures for children.
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