Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex

Definition

The Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) is a primitive reflex found in newborn babies, which assists in the development of hand-eye coordination and crawling. It is typically triggered when the baby’s head is moved, causing the arms to extend and the legs to fold if the head is lifted, or the opposite if the head is lowered. This reflex usually disappears after about 9-11 months as the baby’s nervous system matures.

Key Takeaways

1. Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) is a primitive reflex found in newborn babies and should normally disappear after the first 9–11 months.
3. This reflex helps in the development of certain motor skills. When a child’s head moves forward, their arms bend and legs extend. Conversely, when the head tilts back, the arms extend and legs bend.
5. If the STNR persists beyond the first year, it could interfere with a child’s motor development and learning abilities, potentially leading to challenges in areas such as concentration, coordination, balance, and academic skills.

Importance

The term “Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)” is important in motherhood because it is a natural reflex found in newborn babies, contributing significantly to their motor development.

The STNR helps the baby to start coordinating the upper and lower halves of their body, which is essential for various growth stages such as crawling, reaching for objects, and eventually, walking.

If the reflex persists beyond the age of about 11 months, it may impede the child’s motor skills development, potentially signalling neurological issues.

As such, understanding this reflex allows mothers and caregivers to monitor their baby’s development effectively and seek early intervention if necessary.

Explanation

The Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) is an essential aspect of a child’s developmental process that shapes the coordination between the upper and lower halves of the body. It is a critical reflex that emerges when the baby is about six months old, assisting in the developmental stages leading to crawling.

STNR allows the infant to equalize their upper and lower body configuration, which in turn facilitates their ability to start independently exploring their environment and actively feasting their curiosity. This primal reflex supports the baby in gaining an upright posture and assists in the integration of visual and motor skills.

Furthermore, the STNR plays a crucial role in developing hand-eye coordination and binocular vision, which are significant facets of a child’s learning process. It promotes head and eye movement control and strengthens the body for more complex tasks.

Unintegrated or persistent STNR could result in several developmental challenges that may affect the child’s ability to concentrate, sit still, read, or write. Thus, STNR is not just a stage in development; it lays the groundwork for fundamental motor skills and neurological development, making its complete integration vital for a well-developed child.

Examples of Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex

The Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) is a primitive reflex found in newborn babies that aids in the development of certain motor skills. This reflex is typically integrated around 9-11 months of age, but if it remains active in a child beyond the age of one, it may interfere with their motor skill development. Here are three real-world examples:

Crawling Phase: Babies usually develop STNR during their crawling phase. When the baby’s head is bent forward, this reflex allows the arms to bend and the legs to straighten. Conversely, when the baby’s head bends backward, their arms straighten and their legs bend. This reflex facilitates the crawling movement in infants.

Developmental Delays: If a child’s STNR is not properly integrated, it can result in poor hand-eye coordination, difficulty with near and far sight (like trouble copying from a blackboard), and challenges with sports that require different movements of the upper and lower body (like swimming and cycling).

Reading and Writing Difficulties: An active STNR in older children or adults can make it hard for them to sit still, impacting their ability to concentrate, read, or write. They can have trouble keeping their place while reading, as the eyes and head move together instead of separately. Similarly, when writing, they might struggle to look up and see the board and then look back down to write.

Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex FAQ

What is Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)?

The Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex is a primitive reflex that is visible in infancy and should inhibit as the child grows. It is usually triggered when the baby’s head moves. When not properly integrated, it can affect a child’s ability to coordinate upper and lower body movements.

What are the symptoms of an uninhibited Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)?

An uninhibited STNR can present several symptoms in both children and adults, these may include poor hand-eye coordination, difficulty judging distance or depth, issues with balance, and challenges with sports involving running or swimming.

How does Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) affect learning and classroom behavior?

If a child’s STNR is not properly integrated, they might struggle with tasks that require coordination of the upper and lower body, such as reading and writing. Furthermore, children may become uncomfortable staying in a seated position for long periods, leading to restlessness and potential behavior issues in the classroom.

How can Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) be treated or managed?

Occupational therapists often use reflex integration exercises to help inhibit the STNR. Physical exercise, specific motor tasks, and activities that encourage crossing the body’s midline can also help. However, it’s important to consult with a trained professional for individual diagnosis and treatment plans.

Related Motherhood Terms

• Primitive Reflexes
• Motor Development in Infants
• Neurodevelopmental Delays
• Childhood Reflex Integration
• Crawling Stages and Patterns

Sources for More Information

• BabyCenter: A comprehensive site offering expert advice and community support for everything related to maternity, baby care, and parenting.
• Parents: A broad resource for parenting advice and information, from pregnancy through to raising young adults.
• HealthyChildren.org: A site run by the American Academy of Pediatrics, offering guidance and information on children’s health and development.
• Pathways.org: A non-profit organization dedicated to maximizing children’s motor, sensory, and communication development.