The Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex
What is the Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex and what does it do?
The Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR), often called the “fencing pose” emerges around 18 weeks in utero, becoming fully present at birth and typically integrates at four to six months of age. The ATNR assists the baby during the birthing process. After birth, it aids in developing unilateral movements, or in simpler terms, the ability to control either the left or the right side of the body independently from the other side.
When the infant’s head turns to one side, the arm and leg on that side of the body extend while the arm and the leg on the opposite side of the body flex making it easily recognizable as the fencing pose. This reflex prepares the body for rolling, reaching, and eventually crawling. In addition, the ATNR plays a critical role in bilateral coordination, hand-eye coordination, crossing the midline, and early visual development.
Typical behaviors that we see when dealing with an unintegrated (retained) ATNR Reflex:
· Poor balance
· Mixed or no hand dominance
· Dyslexia
· Difficulty with “right and left”
· Difficulty tracking horizontally
· Difficulty skipping or marching
· Difficulty bringing the eyes together
· Difficulty crossing the midline
· Poor handwriting
· Poor expression of ideas on paper
· Balance is affected by head turning
· Difficulty with convergence/divergence
· ADHD/ ADD
· Difficulty learning to ride a bike
· Problems throwing and catching
· Poor sense of direction
· Poor hand – eye coordination
· Struggles with spelling, math, and language
· Autism
· Social and behavioral challenges