A Common Developmental Concern: Motor Skills

Motor Skills

Parents and caregivers are often aware of a child’s motor skills as these tend to be developmental areas that are more obvious for a parent, caregiver, or childcare provider to notice. Routine well visits with a pediatrician often include questions about a child’s motor skill development.

Common motor-related concerns include:

My baby is not holding his head up.

She is not rolling over.

He isn’t crawling.

She isn’t taking steps yet.

He is not jumping or running.

She does not reach for her toys.

Motor Skills Developmental Concern - Balance

Balance is a common motor-related concern of a parent or caregiver. They wonder, why is my child falling so frequently or why does my child appear clumsy?

It can be concerning for a parent or caregiver to notice a child of similar age holding his head up or crawling; you may wonder if you should be concerned that your child is delayed or at risk of delays in developing motor skills.

Your doctor’s office or pediatrician is a great resource to ask questions about your child’s developmental progress related to motor skills. As a parent or caregiver, you can contact us directly to request a no cost evaluation. A medical referral is not necessary.

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Our Approach

At Early Intervention Services, our services start with a free evaluation which is an opportunity for our multi-disciplinary team to meet with you and your child to listen and learn more about your specific concerns. Our team will conduct a broad evaluation of your child in five areas as required by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The areas include adaptive skills (e.g., self-care skills such as feeding and sleeping), personal/social, communication including expressive and receptive, motor skills including gross and fine motor skills, and finally, play skills.

If your child is found to be eligible for EI services, our team will work with your family to develop an individualized service plan based on your concerns and priorities.

Our approach centers on a coaching model that is family focused. Our staff offers ideas and suggestions that can be incorporated into a family’s daily routine, accommodating each family’s values and culture. For example, a physical therapist may suggest that every time you change the child’s diaper you try a particular exercise or put the child on their belly. Our services are flexible and adaptive to each family’s unique situation.

Experienced and Dedicated Professionals

Physical Therapists

Occupational Therapists

Nurses

Early Intervention Services is fortunate to offer highly-skilled, experienced professionals who can meet with you and your child to learn more about what is going on and provide ideas and suggestions to consider. All our professionals are dedicated and committed to working with young children.

For concerns regarding motor skills, our team may include physical therapists, occupational therapists, and occupational therapist assistants, as well as nurses.

Resources for Parents and Caregivers

Below are links to additional Early Intervention Services articles and videos related to Motor Skills.

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Impact Stories

Though the sessions were designed for Mason, they became just as beneficial for us as parents. His dad and I learned how to engage him in purposeful play, and it has been amazing to see him thrive.

-Sharon, Mason’s Mom, Lawrence, MA