Understanding the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)

Understanding the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)

The human body goes through various developmental stages, particularly during infancy, where primitive reflexes play a crucial role in early movement and neurological development. One such reflex is the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR), an essential component in the early stages of motor development. While it is a normal and expected reflex in newborns, its persistence beyond infancy can lead to developmental challenges.

What is ATNR?

The Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) is a primitive reflex that emerges in utero and is typically present at birth. It is characterized by an automatic movement pattern where passively turning a baby’s head to one side causes the arm and leg on that side to extend while the opposite limbs flex. This reflex is sometimes referred to as the “fencing reflex”because it resembles a fencer’s stance.

What is the purpose of ATNR?

ATNR serves several critical functions in early development:

– Assists in Birth Process: Helps the baby navigate through the birth canal during delivery.

– Facilitates Hand-Eye Coordination: Encourages visual tracking by linking head movements with arm extension.

– Aids in Early Motor Development: Lays the groundwork for rolling, reaching, finding mid-line, developing dominance and perceptual development

When Should ATNR Integrate?

ATNR is typically active from birth to about 4–6 months of age. As the central nervous system matures, this reflex should gradually integrate between the 6-7^th month of age into the whole motor system, allowing for more voluntary and refined motor movements.

What Happens if ATNR Persists?

If ATNR is not properly integrated and remains active beyond six-seven months, it may interfere with development.

Persistent ATNR can contribute to:

– Delayed Motor Development: Difficulty with crawling (cross lateral movements), throwing and catching

– Poor Handwriting and Fine Motor Skills: Struggles with holding a pencil, cutting, or using utensils. Difficulty crossing the midline

– Coordination Issues: Difficulty in bilateral coordination (using both hands together effectively).

– Reading and Learning Challenges: Trouble with left-to-right tracking, affecting reading fluency.

– Attention and focus: Problems maintaining attention, focus, and memory

How to integrate the ATNR

For children (or even adults) with retained ATNR, specific exercises and therapies can help integrate the reflex. These may include:

– Cross-Lateral Movements: Activities like crawling, cross-body marches, climbing walls or bilateral coordination games.

– Neuromodulation Therapy: Guided exercises focusing on reflex integration, active and/or passive

– : Working with therapists to develop motor skills and coordination.

Conclusion

ATNR is a vital reflex for neuromotor development, but if it persists beyond the typical age range, it can create challenges in movement, coordination, and learning. Recognizing and addressing retained ATNR through targeted exercises and therapy can help individuals overcome these difficulties and support their overall development. If you suspect a retained ATNR in your child, consulting a healthcare professional or therapist with specialist training can provide guidance and intervention strategies.

Understanding reflex integration is key to fostering smoother motor development and learning pathways, setting the foundation for a child’s future growth and success.

Lara Cawthra BSc. MChiro. MCSc (Paeds.) FRCC (Paeds.)

Chiropractor and MNRI Core Specialist

Find out more with a Free Advisory Consultation Today >>

Understanding Primitive Reflexes: What They Are and Why They Matter?

Kids Health, Primitive Reflexes

Primitive reflexes are fascinating involuntary movements or actions that are initially present in infants. These reflexes emerge in utero and play an essential role in the early development and survival of newborns. While they may seem like simple bodily reactions, they hold deeper significance in assessing neurological health and developmental milestones. This blog will explore what primitive reflexes are, their types, and their importance in early childhood development.

What Are Primitive Reflexes?

Primitive reflexes are automatic movements triggered by specific stimuli. They originate in the brainstem and are crucial for an infant’s survival and early interaction with the world. These reflexes are typically present at birth and are expected to integrate into the whole body movement system as the child grows and their brain matures. If these reflexes do not integrate by the expected age, it may indicate developmental delays or neurological issues.

Important Primitive Reflexes

Here are some of the primitive reflexes:

Moro Reflex (Startle Reflex):

– Trigger: A sudden movement of the infant’s head position.

– Response: The infant spreads their arms (abduction), then brings them back toward their body (adduction), often accompanied by crying on closing of the core.

– Purpose Helps the infant respond to unexpected changes in their environment.

– Integration Age: By 3-4months.

Rooting Reflex:

– Trigger: Stroking the infant’s cheek or mouth.

– Response: The infant turns their head toward the stimulus and opens their mouth.

– Purpose: Assists in locating the breast or bottle for feeding.

– Integration Age: By 4 months.

Robinson Hands Grasp Reflex:

– Trigger: Placing an object or finger in the infant’s palm at the base of the fingers

– Response: The infant grasps the object tightly with the thumb on top of the closed fingers

– Purpose Gross hand-motor coordination, fine motor skills.

– Integration Age: By end of first year of life.

AsymetricTonic Neck Reflex (Fencing posture):

– Trigger: Reflexive and passive turning of the infant’s head to one side while they are lying on their back.

– Response: The arm and leg on the side the head is turned extends, while the opposite arm and leg bends.

– Purpose: Prepares the body for coordinated movements later in life. Foundation for language development.

– Integration Age: By 6-7 months.

Learn more about the ATNR >>

Why Are Primitive Reflexes Important?

Primitive reflexes serve several purposes during infancy:

Survival Mechanisms: Reflexes like rooting and sucking ensure that the infant can feed and survive in the early stages of life.
Neurodevelopmental Health Indicators: The presence, pattern, direction, symmetry, strength, and timing of these reflexes are used by healthcare professionals to assess the integrity of the nervous system and detect potential issues.
Developmental Foundations: Reflexes pave the way for voluntary movements by building neural connections that contribute to motor skills development.

What Happens When Reflexes Don’t Integrate?

If primitive reflexes persist beyond their typical integration age, it may signal underlying neurological or developmental conditions. For instance:

– Learning Difficulties: Persistent reflexes can interfere with a child’s ability to focus, write, or perform coordinated movements.

– Motor Delays: Reflexes that don’t integrate can hinder the development of fine and gross motor skills.

Early intervention through specific neurodevelopmental exercises can help integrate these reflexes and support the child’s development.

How to Support Reflex Integration

Parents and caregivers can encourage healthy reflex integration through activities and exercises that promote movement and sensory experiences. For example:

– Tummy Time: Helps strengthen neck, shoulder, and core muscles.

– Gentle Stretching and Movement: Encourages flexibility and motor control.

– Interactive Play: Stimulates the senses and fosters coordination.

-Specific exercises and stimulation of neuroreflex points. Work with a certified healthcare provider

Conclusion

Primitive reflexes are more than mere quirks of infancy; they are vital indicators of early brain development and play a foundational role in preparing the body for future learning and growth. Understanding these reflexes can help parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals ensure that children receive the support they need to thrive. If you have concerns about your child’s reflexes or developmental milestones, consulting a developmental specialist is always a good idea.

Lara Cawthra BSc. MChiro. MCSc (Paeds.) FRCC (Paeds.) Chiropractor and MNRI Core Specialist Find out more with a Free Advisory Consultation Today >>

How Parents Can Help Raise Super Healthy Kids

Kids Health

How Parents Can Help Raise Super Healthy Kids

The focus on health and fitness has increased in the past few decades, and it’s not because humans are healthier than ever and want to be even healthier. It is the fact that 2/3 of Americans are either overweight or obese.

Worse yet is the fact that 31.8% of all kids in the United States are either overweight or obese and 16.9% of those are obese. The UK isn’t far behind with 21% of 10-11 year old (Year 6) measured as obese and a further 14.1% overweight https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn03336/ [accessed 11.02.21]

That is definitely putting the pressure on all of us, and on parents to consider ways to raise super healthy kids, instead of those who are plagued by risks of healthy issues as a result of obesity or being overweight.

A lot of us are carrying around extra pounds as a result of harmful lifestyle habits. These habits result in various diseases, disorders and early death.

The problem is made worse by the fact that our young are also susceptible to this problem. The rates of obesity are increasing alarmingly in kids, as almost 1/3 of the children in the US and the UK are overweight.

Is that enough pressure on you as a parent to wonder how to raise super healthy kids?

It should be sufficient, and there are many things, some of them are potentially fun too, that you can do that will help your kids become healthier and form habits that will, hopefully, keep them super healthy throughout their life.

The Building Blocks Of Super Healthy Kids

Healthier Food Habits

This one is relatively easier. Unless you are extraordinary, your kids won’t be doing the cooking for you.

You can control what goes in the food, and decide what the food will be. If you are not cooking at home and order restaurant food every day, start cooking at home. That will mean that you can opt for healthier options.

Food Groups Kids Should Eat From Each Day:

Dairy
Vegetables
Fruits
Grains
Protein

Servings

Depending on the age of the child, serving sizes differ, so make sure to find out what is ideal for your kids.

Calorie Limits And Portion Control

You should also control the portion sizes. Too much of anything is dangerous.

Did you hear about the kid who died from eating too much broccoli? No? The reason for that might be that that never happened.

However, there has to be a balance of all nutrients. Lopsided intake of calories from a single source will have negative consequences. Aim for a balance.

One of the reasons that the obesity rates are so high among kids is the fact that they eat more than they burn because they do not get the recommended 60 minutes per day of moderate physical activity. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/832861/2-physical-activity-for-children-and-young-people-5-to-18-years.pdf [ accessed 11.02.21]

Educate yourself on recommended intake that is based on age, gender and activity levels of the child and use that information to plan appropriate meals.

Better Food Choices

Ditch all the refined flour products, and opt for the healthier whole-grain substitutes.

Similarly, reduce the salt and fat content. Prudent use of different herbs and spices will maintain the palatability of the food.

Sugar is the one thing kids love, and a lot of it is not good for them. In fact, the American Heart Association recommends that kids consume a maximum of 12 grams per day, which equals 3 teaspoons.

Homemade fruit ice creams and sorbets can replace the store bought ones. Use unrefined raw sugar or honey, which offer some antioxidants along with sweetness, and you will have a healthier dessert option. Do the same for baked goods.

Baking at home will allow you to control the ingredients and choose healthier substitutions to provide kids with better sweets than those pre-made products that are filled with sugar and preservatives.

Stock your kitchen with healthier snack options:

Various fruits
Fruit juices without sugar
Low and nonfat yogurt fairy products
Nuts
Flavored whole grain crackers
Vegetables
Raisins
Fruit leather
Cereal bars
Granola bars
Banana chips
Zero sugar nutrition bars (beware of artificial sweetener additions)
Fig bars
Vanilla wafers
Fruit and caramel dip
Baked chips
Vegetable chips
Soy crisps
Rice cakes
Unbuttered popcorn
Pita chips
Whole wheat pretzels

Tackling The Devils

You got an outline of the things that you can do to make your meals healthier. Now the tough part, how to make your kids eat the healthier meals.

Kids are fussy eaters. Sugar and fat register as rewards in the brain, and they want more of it. The same thing will not happen with the healthier options. What is the solution? Talk to them. The rational ability of kids is underestimated. Explain to them the benefits and negative foods in a fun way. Get your imaginative juices flowing.

Forcing a healthier lifestyle will mean that it will be discarded whenever they will get the opportunity, but, by making them realize the benefits of being healthy, you will help them develop habits that will stay with them longer because they chose those habits and you will have super healthy kids!

You can also involve your kids in the cooking process of a new food, making it a fun-filled activity. They will definitely eat some of it.

Cutting and presenting food in different shapes helps in making it seem more appetizing.

Exercise and Physical Activity

Now that you have a few ideas to control the food intake of your kids, here are some ideas to ensure that they actually need the amount they are eating. Kids need at least 60 minutes of moderate intensity activity every day. You can achieve some of that by being involved with your kids in fun physical games. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/832861/2-physical-activity-for-children-and-young-people-5-to-18-years.pdf [accessed 11.02.21]

Even a walk every day will help both you and yours kids remain fit. You can vary the intensity and increase the fun quotient by involving in different games, like making your kids catch you as you run ahead for a while.

Get creative!

Doing chores together can be a fun activity. Ditching the car for short trips with a fun walks is also a good idea.

Sports are great too. Try different sports with your kids and see which one they enjoy. However, not every kid who enjoys a sport is destined to become a great player. Encourage them to play for a healthy lifestyle, but don’t pin your ambitions on their shoulders. Let them have fun. In addition, some might not like any of the common sports. It’s important to encourage them to try different activities and find out the one that they enjoy.

Teach By Example

It is imperative to teach kids by setting a good example and being a positive role model in fitness. It is hard to expect kids to care about working out, when their parents sit and watch television during all their down time.

Contrary to popular belief, raising healthy kids don’t have to be expensive or time-consuming.

My goal for Raising Healthy and Natural Children in a Toxic World on Saturday, February 27th at 10:15 am GMT is to share with you simple lifestyle changes to promote deeply-rooted habits.
During this experience, you will learn how to create healthy kid-friendly meals, fun exercise activities, and which supplements your child could benefit from.

I guarantee you will leave with at least one change you can immediately implement for raising a healthy family!

Can’t Wait To Share With You On Saturday, February 27th At 10:15 am GMT!

Understanding the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)

Understanding Primitive Reflexes: What They Are and Why They Matter?

How Parents Can Help Raise Super Healthy Kids

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