An unintegrated ATNR (Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex) affects which motor skill?

• A. Crawling
• B. Rolling
• C. Walking
• D. Speaking

Answer: (B)

An unintegrated ATNR disrupts rotational and midline-crossing movements. When the head turns to one side, the body responds with an asymmetrical arm and leg posture—face-side limbs extend while skull-side limbs flex. This stubborn asymmetry makes smooth, coordinated rotation of the entire body difficult, which is exactly what's needed for rolling. Rolling requires turning the head and triggering a cascade of trunk and limb rotations in a coordinated, bilateral pattern, so persistent ATNR most directly interferes with it. While crawling and other skills can be affected later or indirectly, rolling is the motor task most clearly impeded by a lingering ATNR. Speaking isn’t primarily governed by this reflex, so it’s less impacted.