Primitive Reflex
Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)
Often called the "fencing pose." Foundational to bilateral coordination and crossing the midline.
The Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR), often called the “fencing pose,” emerges around 18 weeks in utero, becomes 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 — 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 extend while the arm and leg on the opposite side flex — the easily recognizable fencing pose. This reflex prepares the body for rolling, reaching, and eventually crawling. It plays a critical role in bilateral coordination, hand-eye coordination, crossing the midline, and early visual development.
Behaviors When ATNR Is Retained
- •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 affected by head turning
- •Difficulty with convergence and 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