ATNR - Asymmetrical
Tonic Neck Reflex

What is the ATNR - Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex?

The Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) is one of Baby’s earliest movement patterns and is often called the “fencing reflex.” It’s triggered by a simple turn of the head or by visual stimulation to either side.

When Baby turns their head to one side, the arm on that side extends, while the opposite arm bends toward the body. The same pattern can occur in the legs, though it’s usually less noticeable.

The kicking movements parents feel during pregnancy are caused in part by the ATNR! This reflex plays a key role during the birth process, helping Baby rotate and move down the birth canal — a process that strengthens and reinforces the reflex.

The ATNR supports early hand-eye coordination, reaching, and body awareness. By linking the eyes and hands, it helps Baby learn how to look toward, reach for, and grasp objects — critical skills for motor and visual development.

It’s also connected to the vestibular system, which influences balance, muscle tone, and spatial awareness.

Signs of a Retained Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex

If the ATNR does not fully integrate, older children or adults may experience:

  • Skipped or asymmetrical crawling

  • Difficulty rolling from back to belly

  • Bum scooting or one-leg crawling patterns

  • Poor balance and posture

  • Left-right confusion

  • Hand-eye coordination challenges

  • Reading and writing difficulties

  • Inconsistent use of left and right hands

  • ADHD-like symptoms, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia

Retained Primitive Reflexes affect EVERYTHING

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Retained Primitive Reflexes affect EVERYTHING 〰️

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

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

At Blessingways Family Wellness in Airdrie and North Calgary, our chiropractors—Dr. Melanie Beingessner, Dr. Laurence Dion, and Dr. Leah Robinson—help families support healthy brain and body development through gentle, movement-based chiropractic care.

When retained primitive reflexes are suspected, we:

  1. Perform a thorough chiropractic and neurological examination.

  2. Review a detailed intake form to identify which reflexes may be active.

  3. Create a personalized care plan that includes gentle chiropractic adjustments and home-based movement activities.

  4. Recommend daily exercises to help the nervous system learn new, more coordinated patterns.

  5. Re-evaluate progress regularly to monitor changes and refine care.

Every nervous system is unique. While many people respond well to chiropractic adjustments and home movement activities, progress depends on each individual’s ability to adapt and integrate new information.

📞 Call Blessingways Family Wellness at (403) 945-2422
to book your appointment or learn more about our family chiropractic services in Airdrie

Best Beginnings: Infant Massage and Movement Program

Ready to nurture your baby’s growth from the very beginning?

Our Best Beginnings Program teaches parents hands-on ways to support healthy growth and brain development, calm Baby’s nervous system, and encourage reflex integration through touch and play.

You’ll receive:

● Over 20 hours of guided video tutorials

●Simple, science-based activities you can do at home

● Practical home organization tips

● Exclusive downloadable guides and printable resources

● Unlimited lifetime access

Exercises to Help Integrate the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex

To support integration of the ATNR:

Every morning for 30 days

  • 20 repetitions of the Lizard Exercise

  • 20 repetitions of at least one fun movement activity from the PDF below

Every afternoon or evening for 30 days

  • 20 repetitions of the Lizard Exercise

  • 20 repetitions of at least one fun movement activity from the PDF below

(You can do as many of the fun exercises as you like!)

Lizard Exercise Demonstration

Here are more fun Asymmetrical Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex Integration Exercises to choose from

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

Click Here for additional FUN integration exercises that we’ve found on YouTube

Click Here to print a 30 days exercise Tracking Calendar

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

Occupational therapists Rachel Harrington and Jessica Hill from Harkla demonstrating sensory and movement activities that support primitive reflex integration and child development.