Definitions for "Primitive reflexes"
Reflexes seen during development that are extinguished further along the developmental process. See tonic neck reflex, Babinski reflex.
There are movement reflexes that each baby is born with. These "primitive" reflexes assist the infant in successfully progressing through various stages of movement so they may learn to roll, crawl, sit and walk, etc. As a child matures, these the child is able to move without the need of these reflexes and they become more integrated and do not predominate or direct movement patterns. Sometimes a reflex continues to direct or dominant movement after an age where it is normally integrated. We would consider this an abnormal reflex pattern.
Reflexes, such as the startle (Moro) reflex, that are normal in newborns and infants, but which should disappear and mature as the child grows up. The persistence of primitive reflexes into childhood may lead to various developmental difficulties, including dyslexia and dyspraxia.