ATNR Reflex Integration Primitive Reflexes 32 exercises play skill OT SEL visual

Integrating the ATNR Reflex Through Play-Based Exercises

Support coordination, crossing midline, and foundational movement patterns—all through purposeful play. This powerful resource is designed specifically to help integrate the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR), a critical primitive reflex that influences motor development, body symmetry, visual tracking, and early handwriting skills.

Through play-based, developmentally appropriate activities, this guide provides therapists, educators, and caregivers with practical strategies to support bilateral coordination, body control, and smooth integration of left-right brain function. Each activity is designed to be engaging for children while delivering meaningful therapeutic benefits.

• 32 play-based exercises targeting the ATNR reflex
• Clear, step-by-step visuals and simple instructions
• Adaptable for children at different developmental levels
• Focused strategies for crossing midline, visual-motor skills, and body symmetry
• “Why It Helps” section included with every activity
• Designed for children with retained reflexes, motor delays, visual tracking issues, or handwriting struggles

Whether you’re working in a classroom, clinic, or at home, this resource turns reflex integration into fun, functional movement—helping kids build the neurological connections they need to succeed.
Lasting progress happens when both sides of the brain and body learn to work as one.

Handouts include:

•Cross Body Arm and Leg Taps (page 4)

•Crawl & pause head turn (page 5)

•Cross crawl marching (page 6)

•Seated figure 8 arm tracing (page 7)

•Side lying reach and pull (page 8)

•Body writing with hand (page 9)

•Partner mirror (page 10)

•Head turns with still hands (page 11)

•Belly crawl races (page 12)

•Horizontal eye tracking (page 13)

•Cross body beanbag toss (page 14)

•Supine snow angels (page 15)

•Elbow to opposite knee (page 16)

•Push wall with head turns (page 17)

•Seated arm circles (page 18)

•Mirror drawing (page 19)

•Supine arm press (page 20)

•Scooter board reaches (page 21)

•Seated cross body ball pass (page 22)

•Cross body dot to dot (page 23)

•Balloon volleyball (page 24)

•Cross body stickers (page 25)

•Archer arms (page 26)

•Ribbon crosses (page 27)

•Head turn and ladder (page 28)

•Magnetic tracing (page 29)

•Slow bicycle pedals (page 30)

•Side to side push up (page 31)

•Puppet Show (page 32)

•March and freeze (page 33)

•Cross leg sit and twist (page 34)

•Animal crawls (page 35)

•Small icons so you can easily print for visual schedule (page 36-38)

If you love this product, please leave me feedback. If you find an error, or have a suggestion, please email me: EmpoweringOT@gmail.com I am happy to work with buyers to make them happy J

As a reminder, this is only 1 license for the person who purchased this product and the students on the caseload / classroom. Please support your fellow therapist and direct others to purchase this product from my store. This cannot be posted on websites or other areas where multiple people can access this resource.

DISCLAIMER: By using this, you agree that this activity is not intended to replace the advice of a physician or occupational therapist. Information provided should not be used for diagnostic or training purposes. Please speak with your physician or OT if you have questions. Stop any activity if you are unsure about a child’s reaction or ability.

This is perfect for general education students but also students with Autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, ADD, sensory processing disorder, and other special needs. This can be used with general education, RTI, MTSS, special education, school psychologist, school counselor, occupational therapy OT, speech language pathology SLP, and social work SW.

I am a school occupational therapist who has a doctorate in occupational therapy. I work closely with special education and general education staff adapting material. This is where I get my inspiration for this material. I have used my materials with a variety of children with different disabilities including learning disabilities, dyslexia, autism, sensory processing disorder, ADD, ADHD, visual impairments, deaf/hard of hearing, cerebral palsy, down syndrome and more.

DISCLAIMER: By using this, you agree that this activity is not intended to replace the advice of a physician or occupational therapist. Information provided should not be used for diagnostic or training purposes. Please speak with your physician or OT if you have questions. Stop any activity if you are unsure about a child’s reaction or ability. You should discontinue anything if you do not know your child’s reaction or ability.