Primitive Movement Training for Autism: What it is and How it Helps
- Ryan Bigelow
- May 16
- 4 min read
Integrated into Kidisthenics’ high-intensity fitness programs are three core movement-based learning methodologies: primitive movement training, rhythmic movement training (RMT) and sensory-integration training. These approaches – outlined in a previous article, “The Science Behind Our Methods” – work together to improve motor control, emotional regulation, and overall independence for individuals with autism. But when terms like “bottom-up projection” or “retained primitive reflexes” come up, it can be difficult to understand exactly what primitive movement training is, why it’s important, and how it works. Let’s break it down.
Rooted in early development: the role of primitive reflexes
During the first year of life, infants display automatic, involuntary movements known as primitive reflexes. These reflexes are crucial for survival and early development, enabling basic functions like feeding, moving, protecting and orienting to stimuli. Early milestones – such as rolling over, grasping, crawling and walking – are all guided by these reflexes.
Take the palmar reflex as an example: when pressure is applied to a baby’s palm, the infant automatically grasps the object. At this stage, the grasp is not voluntary – but this reflex lays the groundwork for the intentional use of the hands and fingers in the future.
The development of the nervous system: bottom-up projection
As infants interact with their environment through these involuntary movements, their nervous system receives sensory and motor input that activates genes responsible for brain development. This process, called “bottom-up projection,” builds the brain from the ground up. Each primitive reflex contributes to the formation of new neural pathways that support more complex, voluntary movements.
Returning to the palmar reflex – repeated exposure to stimuli on the palm helps a child develop the neural connections needed for a pincer grip, transitioning from involuntary grasping to intentional, coordinated hand use.
Retained reflexes and their link to autism
When a primitive reflex remains active beyond its expected developmental timeline, it’s referred to as a “retained primitive reflex.” These retained reflexes can interrupt bottom-up projection, and hinder the development of more advanced motor and cognitive skills that contribute to higher development and learning.
Retained reflexes are common among individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions. In fact, studies estimate that roughly 80% of children with autism spectrum disorder have at least one retained reflex, which may contribute to sensory issues, poor motor coordination and delayed neurological maturation.
Some of the most commonly retained reflexes include:
Moro reflex
Asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR)
Symmetrical tonic neck reflex (STNR)
Babinski reflex
Palmar reflex
Tonic labyrinthine reflex
Rooting reflex
Spinal galant reflex
When these reflexes remain active, they can lead to an array of challenges such as motion sickness, speech delays, poor posture, difficulty with balance and spatial awareness, low muscle tone and impaired visual coordination.
For example, if the palmar grasp is retained, an individual may struggle with fine motor skills, handwriting, tactile sensitivity and even speech coordination.
How primitive movement training helps
Primitive movement training involves repeating early developmental movements like crawling, climbing and rolling. These foundational patterns stimulate the brain and body in a way that reactives and integrates the primitive reflexes, supporting the development of healthy neural connections.
By mimicking early reflexive movements, this training helps the brain “catch up” on missed stages of development, facilitating improvements in motor skills, coordination and behavior. It also supports myelination – the process of forming a protective sheath (myelin) around nerve fibers. Myelinated pathways allow for faster, more efficient communication in the brain. When reflexes are retained and myelination is incomplete, signal transmission may be delayed, causing sensory and motor issues.
Numerous studies and anecdotal reports from parents and professionals consistently show that primitive reflex training improves sensory processing, emotional regulation, anxiety, motor control and even sleep quality.
How Kidisthenics implements primitive movement training
Every Kidisthenics session is customized based on the client’s unique profile. When a family begins services, they complete a detailed Parent Survey developed by our Data & Research Team. This survey includes targeted questions like:
“Does the client struggle to keep their balance?”
“Does the client repeat speech?”
“Does the client have poor posture?”
These insights, along with observational notes from the client’s assigned Movement Specialist, help our team of psychology-informed professionals identify which retained reflexes, if any, may be at play.
Based on this collaborative evaluation, the client is assigned targeted movements that address those specific reflexes. For example, if signs point to a retained asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR) – which may present as poor balance, difficulty crossing the midline or uncoordinated movement – the client will engage in movements designed to stimulate and integrate that reflex.
The ATNR is a reflex that appears in infancy. When a baby’s head turns to one side, the arm and leg on that side extend, while the opposite limbs bend and retract. This reflex lays the groundwork for bilateral integration—the brain’s ability to coordinate both sides of the body.
If this reflex is retained, crossing the midline (an essential movement for reading, writing, and coordination) becomes difficult because the left and right hemispheres of the brain are not communicating efficiently.
To address this, clients may perform movements like the Cross Crawl, in which the elbow touches the opposite knee in a rhythmic, alternating pattern. This cross-lateral movement activates both hemispheres of the brain, enhancing balance, coordination, and cognitive processing.
Movement assignments are regularly reviewed and adjusted based on the client’s progress. If after two weeks the specialist observes little progress – or if the client has mastered a set of movements – new exercises may be introduced to provide greater challenge or target different areas of need.
These therapeutic movements are integrated seamlessly into sessions. Whether part of a warm-up or a dynamic sports drill, the goal is to make training enjoyable and engaging so clients don’t feel like they’re “working” – even when they’re building essential neurological connections.
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