We aim to understand better the significance of retained primitive reflexes (RPRs) and examine the effect of RPRs in children, adolescents, and adults, focusing on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental conditions, as well as examine a basis for future treatment alternatives. We included a history section to better recognise the way that the scientific and medical communities have studied and understood the importance of RPRs. We review findings indicating that aspects of these disorders are related to the presence of functional disconnectivities related to a cortical maturational effect on neuronal networks. Cortical maturational delay within specific networks may lead to enhanced growth and maturation in other networks, resulting in asynchronous development and inconsistency in functional skills. There has been reported an overconnectivity of short-range, more immature connections and an underconnectivity of long-range, more mature connectivities. We review the relationship between motor and cognitive impairments and RPRs. A crucial conclusion will be that inhibiting these RPRs is representative of treatment targets.
Keywords: autism spectrum disorder; developmental disabilities; maturation; paediatric examination; primitive reflexes.
© 2025 The Author(s). Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Paediatrics and Child Health Division (The Royal Australasian College of Physicians).