ATNR (Fencer’s Pose) — Parent Guide

ATNR links head turning with the arms — when the head turns, the arm on that side extends and the other bends. Helpful for early hand‑eye learning, but it should quiet by about 6 months so both hands can work together for play, feeding, and writing.

Friendly note: These ideas support everyday learning and regulation. They’re not medical advice.
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What is it?

When the head turns to the right, the right arm tends to straighten and the left arm bends (and vice versa). Early on, this helps babies notice and reach toward their hands. Later, it needs to step back so the body can cross the midline and both hands can cooperate.

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What parents might notice

  • Trouble crossing the midline; switches hands mid‑task
  • Messy or tiring handwriting; letter reversals
  • Awkward reading posture (head/arm turns with the line)
  • Ball skills and copying from the board feel hard

How to test (optional & gentle)

  1. Have your child stand with feet hip‑width. Ask them to keep arms straight in front, palms down.
  2. Slowly turn the head to one side. Watch if the same‑side arm wants to straighten and the other bends.
  3. Repeat to both sides. Small movements are okay; big, automatic changes suggest ATNR is still active.
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Safety first: Only test when calm; move the head slowly and stop if your child feels dizzy or uncomfortable.

Home activities (playful & graded)

Start easy, keep it short, and make it fun. Practice most days for small, steady gains.

Easy (get comfortable)

  • Lazy‑8 tracing on a wall or paper (big sideways 8)
  • Slow rolling on the floor with deep breaths
  • Pass a toy across the body, hand‑to‑hand

Medium (build control)

  • Cross‑crawl marching: right elbow to left knee and switch
  • Tabletop toy taps: tap opposite knee with hand
  • Kneel and turn head slowly while keeping arms steady like a statue

Advanced (confidence & rhythm)

  • Plank shoulder taps (short sets)
  • Figure‑8 ball passes around the body
  • Balance beam line with head turns (tape line on floor)

Parent Pointers

  • Start small: 5–10 minutes a day, about 5 days a week.
  • Pick favorites: Choose 2 activities your child enjoys. Steady breathing and relaxed shoulders mean you’ve picked well.
  • How much is “enough” today? 8–10 slow, smooth reps or 30–45 seconds without strain counts as a good set.
  • On the right track: Over 2–4 weeks, look for smaller startles, quicker calming, and easier settling for sleep.
  • Keep it kind: If your child looks tense or frustrated, shorten the set, slow it down, or switch to an easier activity.

Quick recap

ATNR helps early hand‑eye links, then should fade so both hands can team up. Gentle cross‑body play helps the brain coordinate both sides.

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