02/12/2025
The ATNR is a primitive reflex babies use in early development, but it's designed to disappear as the brain matures. When it lingers, kids can struggle to cross the midline- something we need for reading across a page, writing smoothly, tying shoes, catching a ball and coordinating both sides of the body. Instead of movements feeling automatic, their brain has to work overtime to do simple tasks, which can look like clumsiness, messy handwriting or difficulty sitting still.
Chiropractic (alongside some home exercises) can be a great tool to help clear any interference to the nervous system, which in turn, may assist these primitive reflexes to clear.
If you have any questions about ATNR or you are worried about your child possibly having a retained ATNR, please reach out and we would be happy to chat to you further.
reflexes
