ADD/ADHD Behaviors -The Cause

Although the Symmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) occurs naturally in the normal development of children, if this reflex stays at an immature level, it can greatly interfere with specific and general coordination tasks. The STNR will stay at an immature level if the child does not crawl enough or properly in infancy. Individuals with an immature STNR will be extremely uncomfortable in what is generally considered the “proper” sitting position: sitting up straight and sitting still. 

The incidence of an immature STNR is increasing in recent years because many babies are being kept on their backs to sleep to help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), but then they are not being put on their tummies when they are awake. If they are never on their tummies, they are never going to crawl. If they dont crawl for at least 6 months and properly, the STNR will remain at an interfering level.

At the age of six months, when the STNR is designed to be in control of the child’s body, the STNR functions in response to the position of the head in relation to the body: when the neck is straightened, tension is increased in the muscles which straighten the elbows and those which bend the hips and knees. The baby will pull up into a “cat sit” to prepare for crawling. Essentially, the three body units - neck, arms, legs - are “tied together” by the reflex, so that movement in one area automatically produces a change in the muscular tension of the other two areas. The STNR will remain immature (in control) if the child does not crawl properly for at least six months. 

The mechanical aspect of writing, just getting the words down on paper, can become an incredibly difficult task. Many of these difficulties can be traced to an immature Symmetric Tonic Neck Reflex.  Call today to make an appointment, 317-517-0456 or 888-291-2791