Explore Primitive Reflexes and Vision

When primitive reflexes stick around longer than they should, they can interfere with how the eyes and brain work together. This can cause problems with:

Eye tracking — Moving the eyes smoothly across a page while reading

Eye teaming — Getting both eyes to aim at the same spot at the same time

Focusing — Switching focus between far away (like a board) and up close (like a desk)

Visual-spatial skills — Understanding where things are in space, like reading a clock or judging distances

Hand-eye coordination — Using what the eyes see to guide the hands for writing or catching

These problems happen because the old reflex movements compete with the newer, more controlled movements the brain is trying to make.

You might notice your child:

Losing their place or skipping lines while reading

Having trouble copying from the board

Tilting or turning their head while reading or writing

Struggling with handwriting or spacing on the page

Having trouble catching a ball or judging distances

Fidgeting or having a hard time sitting still at a desk

Being bothered by bright lights or busy, crowded spaces

Struggling with puzzles, mazes, or telling time on a clock with hands

Many of these signs overlap with functional vision problems, so it can be hard to tell the difference without a proper evaluation.

If a child's primitive reflexes don't go away on their own, an occupational therapist can help. OTs use fun activities and exercises that train the brain to move past these early reflexes. Over time, this can improve things like balance, coordination, focus, and handwriting — making everyday tasks at school and home feel a lot easier.