In this in-depth interview, Dr. Elizabeth Stephens-Sarlós discusses the role of retained primitive reflexes in child development, adult functioning, athletic performance, and healthy aging.

Dr. Stephens-Sarlós explains what primitive reflexes are, why they are essential in early life, and what can happen when they are not fully integrated (03:53). She shares practical examples from clinical work, describes what reflex integration exercises look like (08:01), and explains how much time is typically needed each day to see progress (08:52).

The conversation explores:

How retained reflexes can affect learning, attention, emotional regulation, and behaviour (05:15)
Preparing children for starting school (10:50)
The impact of screen time on developing brains (12:25)
What kindergarten teachers can do to better support school readiness (14:29, 25:50)
The Grasping Reflex and its connection to speech and cognitive decline (16:55)
Thumb sucking and what it may indicate neurologically (19:13)
Retained reflexes in adulthood (20:14)
The link between smoking and retained Grasping and Sucking reflexes (22:00)
Reflexes in athletes, including attention deficit and anxiety (Moro and Fear Paralysis reflexes) (23:44)
Brain plasticity, how quickly adults may see changes, and emerging research using fNIRS brain imaging technology in older adults, including prevention and links to dementia (29:14)

Dr. Stephens-Sarlós also shares why she wrote her book (28:05) and her broader vision for prevention across the lifespan.

This interview is valuable for parents, educators, therapists, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in brain development, learning readiness, emotional regulation, and healthy aging.

You can read more about Dr. Stephens-Sarlós on her website drsarlos.com. Her book "Rewiring the Brain using Sensorimotor Exercises" is available from Amazon.