The baby fencing position is one of the earliest visible signs of a developing nervous system. You might notice your baby turning their head to one side, with the arm and leg on that side extended, while the opposite limbs bend. This instinctive posture isn’t random—it’s part of the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR), a critical primitive reflex. In this guide, you’ll learn what this position means, how it supports development, and what to do if ATNR doesn’t integrate on time.
What Is the Fencing Reflex?
The fencing position is the physical expression of the ATNR reflex. It typically appears in newborns and integrates between 4 to 6 months of age. When a baby turns their head to one side:
- The limbs on the side the baby is facing extend
- The limbs on the other side flex
This movement prepares the baby for future milestones like reaching, crawling, and developing hand-eye coordination.
As noted by the National Library of Medicine, primitive reflexes like ATNR are essential building blocks of neurological and motor development in infants.
Read more: What Are Primitive Reflexes?
Why Is the ATNR Important?
The ATNR reflex serves several key purposes in early development:
- Encourages visual tracking
- Develops muscle tone
- Lays the groundwork for bilateral movement
- Trains the body to cross the midline
It also helps babies learn how to connect their head movements with actions in the limbs—an essential neurological foundation for more complex motor patterns.
Signs That ATNR Has Not Integrated
If ATNR stays active beyond infancy, it may disrupt coordination, posture, and learning. Signs of a retained ATNR include:
- Difficulty crossing the midline
- Poor handwriting or an awkward pencil grip
- Head movement while writing or copying
- Letter reversals (like confusing “b” and “d”)
- Challenges with sports or physical coordination
- Discomfort when turning the head
If your child experiences these symptoms, it may be time to investigate reflex integration more deeply.
How ATNR Affects Learning and Behavior
Writing and Desk Work
Children with an active ATNR may struggle with writing. Turning the head can cause the arm on that side to extend unintentionally, making fine motor control difficult and tiring.
Reading and Tracking
ATNR is closely tied to visual development. Children may lose their place when reading or show discomfort when tracking text across a page.
Physical Discomfort and Fatigue
Unintegrated reflexes can cause a constant background strain on the body. Even simple tasks like sitting still in class can become exhausting over time.
Read more: Why Reflexes Don’t Always Integrate on Their Own
Common Causes of Retained ATNR
Factors that may interrupt the natural integration of ATNR include:
- C-section or traumatic birth
- Premature birth
- Lack of tummy time
- Excessive time in baby equipment (bouncers, swings, walkers)
- Neurological stress or trauma
Read more: The Importance of Tummy Time
How to Integrate the ATNR Reflex
ATNR can be integrated through rhythmic, repeated movement that mimics early developmental stages. Effective exercises include:
- Cross-crawling across the floor
- Slow, controlled head turns while maintaining posture
- Crawling on hands and knees to reinforce midline control
- Fencers, one of the exercises in the ITC Brain Reorganization Program
Read more: The Power of Crawling
These movements are most effective when performed regularly in a calm and focused environment.
Video: Help Your Child Integrate ATNR
In this video, In the Cortex explains how the fencing position works and shares practical tips and exercises you can do at home to support your child.
When to Get Professional Help
If your child has trouble with focus, writing, posture, or coordination—and typical approaches aren’t helping—it may be time to assess their reflex profile. A trained professional can identify unintegrated reflexes and recommend a movement program that helps.
How In the Cortex Supports Your Child
Our programs at In the Cortex are designed to guide families through the process of brain and body integration. We offer:
- Reflex screenings
- Custom movement sequences
- Parent training and support
- Progress tracking tools
Explore our Reflex Integration Program
Conclusion: A Simple Reflex with a Big Impact
The fencing position is more than just a cute pose—it’s an early clue to how your child’s brain is organizing. Understanding and supporting ATNR integration can improve your child’s attention, coordination, and confidence. With the right tools and awareness, you can help your child reach their full developmental potential.
