Retained neonatal reflexes

Retained Neonatal Reflexes
What is RNR? Primitive reflexes are reflexes our system normally has in order to assist us in those first few years of life.

From the birthing process, to feeding, attracting attention, grabbing onto things and to keep us safe. (2) These reflexes then should integrate and allow our forebrain to develop and take over more control of our behaviour and thinking. Just like the root of a tree, the reflexes are always there, just hidden but vital for the tree to grow to its amazing potential. However, due to birth trauma or developmental restrictions these reflexes might remain dominant. (2) This means that your nervous system will automatically react inappropriately and undesirably in certain situations. This will adversely affect your development, learning and behaviour. This is a Retained Neonatal Reflex (RNR).
Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex
This reflex is one of the important reflexes seen in the newborn. It is present at birth and disappears by the age of 6 or 7 months. (1) What to look out for in your child: (2) 1. Easily Distracted 2. Poor Coordination 3. Messy Handwriting 4. Hard to ride or swim

Persistence of the asymmetric tonic neck reflex (ATNR) is, indeed, a recognized risk factor for developmental and neurodevelopmental concern. In a study by Hagel, Dieter and Panteliadis, the authors described the persistence of the asymmetric tonic neck reflex (ATNR) and Moro as some of the most important initial symptoms of cerebral palsy.(3)
How to test at home:
Ask the child to get on all fours with arms straight, with their weight over their hands the parent rotates the child's head left or right. If their elbow bends on the opposite side of head rotation OR if weight shifts off the hands then the reflex is possibly present.
What to do next:
See an experienced RNR practitioner here at Sprouting Health.


References: 1. Jaiswal, Manojkumar and Maronkar Rahul. "Understanding Primitive Reflexes and Their Role In Growth And Development: A Review." International Healthcare Research Journal 1.8 (2017) 2. Ewa, Gieysztor, Choinska Anna and Malgorzata Borowicz. "Persistence of primitive reflexes and associated motor problems in healthy preschool children." Archives of Medical Science 14.1 (2018): 167-173. 3. Hagel, Christian, et al. " Cerebral Palsy: A Lifelong Challenge Asks for Early Intervention." The Open Neurology Journal (2015): 45-52.