When I see this movement pattern and test for the ATNR reflex, it is usually present. If the movement pattern is VERY persistent and needs more direct intervention to correct it, then the ATNR is usually strongly present, not mildly. I ran across this very nice link from the Pediatric Development Center to some ATNR intergration activities. Parents and teachers can use these at home or at school for your next birthday party. Here's an example of just one of the activities from their site.
Passing Pennies Down the Line: Group play for 4 years and older. Place 10-20 pennies or buttons on a paper plate. Children lay on their back, side by side and an arms length apart. Place pennies on plate by the first child’s right side, an empty plate between each of the next children, and one after the last person. Each child may look only at the paper plate to their right. When the activity is repeated they will all look left. On “Go!” the first person picks up one penny, passes it into his other hand and then onto the paper plate between him and the next team member – without turning his head to the left. That child then repeats the process, passing the penny to the next plate to the left. This continues until all pennies are on the last plate. This can be timed, and then done again to improve their record.
Read the article on the link to understand why the head movement of this activity is so important. If the child moves his head, the goal of integrating this reflex is not met.... so please read the article, too.
