ATNR - Asymmetrical
Tonic Neck Reflex

The information presented on this webpage is printed with permission from Harkla.co

infant demonstrating ATNR - Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex

More facts about the ATNR - Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex

  • The Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) is elicited by a simple head turn or visual stimuli to either the right or the left.

  • When an infant is lying on their back and their head is turned to one side, the arm on that same side will extend while the opposite arm will flex in towards the body.

  • Additionally, there is leg movement that coordinates with the arm movement however it is not typically as pronounced as the arm movement.

  • The ATNR is often called the “fencing reflex.”

  • The kicking that is felt in utero is due to the ATNR!

  • The ATNR assists the birth process, along with the Spinal Galant. It allows the baby to descend down the birth canal and the process of birth actually helps develop the ATNR, as it is reinforced by the birth process. The ATNR plays a role by assisting with “unscrewing” down the birth canal.

  • Because the ATNR is elicited with head movement, it is also connected directly to the vestibular system, which affects balance and muscle tone.

  • Another big role that the ATNR takes part in is hand-eye coordination and developing skills on each side of the body - think of turning your head to reach and grab an item.

  • Integration of the ATNR is around the same time that the Moro and Palmar Grasp reflexes are also integrating, as well as around the same time, the infant is intentionally reaching for objects, has gained head control, and may start crawling.

What is the ATNR - Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex?

Signs of a retained Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex in an older child or adult:

  • skipped crawling

  • difficulties rolling back to belly

  • asymmetrical crawling motion - bum scooting, or one leg kick standing out when crawling

  • poor balance

  • challenges with left and right confusion

  • difficult hand-eye coordination

  • not using left and right hands consistently

  • reading and writing challenges

  • ADHD symptomology - dyslexia (difficulties with reading), dysgraphia (difficulties turning thoughts into written language), discalculia (difficulties with number-based information and math)

Retained Primitive Reflexes affect EVERYTHING

〰️

Retained Primitive Reflexes affect EVERYTHING 〰️

How We Can Help

Dr. Melanie Beingessner, Dr. Laurence Dion, Dr. Leah Robinson from Blessingways Family Wellness in Airdrie and North Calgary, AB

Both children AND adults can have Retained Primitive Reflexes

Dr. Melanie, Dr. Laurence and Dr. Leah have taken extra courses and seminars to learn how to assess and treat people with retained primitive reflexes

  • We will have you fill out a comprehensive intake form that will help us to focus on which reflexes might be retained

  • We will do a thorough chiropractic and neurological exam

  • We will make an individualized plan for you and/or your child that will include chiropractic adjustments and home exercises

    These home exercises must be done twice a day for at least 30 days for your nervous system to integrate the retained primitive reflexes

  • Then we will re-exam to assess and plan again

If you would like more information, or to
make an appointment with one of our Doctors,
please call us at 403-945-2422

To help integrate the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex, you will need to do

Every morning for 30 DAYS

20 repetitions of the Lizard exercise
20 repetitions of at least ONE FUN Exercise that you can choose from the second pdf download

(Of course, you can do as many of the fun exercises as you like!)

Every afternoon or evening for 30 DAYS

20 repetitions of the Lizard exercise
20 repetitions of at least ONE FUN Exercise that you can choose from the second pdf download

(Do as many of the fun exercises as you like!)

Here are your downloads for the Palmar Grasp Reflex Integration Exercises

Click Here to print the instructions for the Lizard exercise

Click Here to print the instructions for 26 Additional FUN Exercises you can choose from

Click Here to see 26 videos of the Additional FUN Exercises - click on the ATNR Functional Activities folder

Click Here to print a 30 days exercise Tracking Calendar

Exercises to Integrate
the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex

Examples of the Lizard Exercise that we’ve found on YouTube

Dr. Melanie, Dr. Laurence and Dr. Leah have taken many courses about retained primitive reflexes. One course, offered by Harkla, called Assessment and Integration of Primitive Reflexes Master Level was created by Rachel Harrington and Jessica Hill, both occupational therapists

We have been given permission by them to post their very thorough information on our website and to give their handouts to our patients

For more information about Harkla’s courses for
professionals and parents, please click here

Rachel Harrington and Jessica Hill from Harkla