The Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex ( ATNR )

What is The ATNR Reflex?

In utero, the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex helps facilitate kicking movements of the fetus felt by the mother.
When fully emerged in utero, the ATNR supports the fetus in twisting and turning down the birth canal. When the baby turns their head to the side, the arm and leg will straighten on the same side.

This reflex is also referred to as the “fencer position”. As the ATNR integrates, the movements of the infant on the stomach and the back help to train binocular vision (the cooperation of both eyes) and the ability to track moving objects with his eyes.
A nonintegrated ATNR beyond four to six months can interfere with other developmental motor abilities, such as rolling over, commando-style tummy crawling, and crawling on all fours. 

Some symptoms of a non-integrated ATNR

Crawling in fluent cross-patterned movements is more complicated when the ATNR reflex is not integrated.
In school, the ATNR plays a significant role in the learning process and in creating more hemispheric brain dominance. It helps to establish cross lateral motor coordination across the physical midline, as well as, active coordination of the visual and auditory systems.
The ATNR is also important for writing, as it assists with the motors skills of the arms, shoulders and neck in order for fine motor skills to be efficient.

Some symptoms of a non-integrated ATNR

• Difficulty crawling in cross-patterned movements
• One sided (robot like movement) rather than cross lateral walking 
• Problems bringing arms to midline (catching balls)
• Difficulty with eye tracking, eye-hand coordination
• Difficulty with reading, writing, listening and comprehension; dyslexia
• Poor handwriting and difficulty fluently expressing ideas when writing
• Inefficient motor skills of the arms, shoulders and neck (e.g. riding a bike)
• Mixed or confused handedness is common
• They may turn the books at weird angles to make reading and writing easier. 
• Insecure balance 
• Possible scoliosis
• Associated sensory systems: auditory, vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive