By a certain age, most children are able to use their hands, lips, tongue, feet, and wrists to make small movements and perform functional skills. Seeing your child accomplish these things and develop their fine motor skills can be exciting.
However, if you’ve noticed your child hasn’t yet met these milestones for their age, it can be very worrisome and confusing to know the next steps to take to help them as they grow.
What are fine motor skills?
Fine motor skills are what allow children to use the small muscles in their hands and wrists to manipulate and control small objects. If a child struggles with fine motor skills, it may show in how they try to write, use a toothbrush or feeding utensil, or pick and manipulate small objects. Fine motor skills develop over time, and the rates at which they develop can differ from child to child.
For some children, the development of fine motor skills can be delayed, which will require early intervention to improve so that they will be able to keep up with same-aged peers at school and during play.
Your child may be experiencing a delay in the development of their fine motor skills if they have poor coordination or strength, trouble grasping and manipulating objects, avoid tasks requiring them to use a pencil, crayon, or eating utensil, or trouble playing with toys.
If you notice any of the above occurring with your child, we are here to help. Skills on the Hill’s occupational therapists know how to help improve your child’s fine motor skills.
How can therapy at Skills on the Hill help?
Occupational therapy offers a variety of treatment options to meet each child’s specific needs when it comes to addressing delays in fine motor development.
When children come to Skills on the Hill with issues in fine motor skill development, our therapists perform a comprehensive assessment to evaluate all underlying areas.
Next, our therapists will create a customized treatment plan tailored to your child’s unique therapeutic goals. It will include the right combination of strategies, including exercises, games, tools, and home activities the whole family can participate in. We will also make recommendations for the school and suggest adaptive equipment if needed.
Our key to a successful therapy program is to present activities at the child’s skill level and gradually increase the level of difficulty so the child makes progress while continuing to be motivated and interested. This ensures the child is fully engaged and putting forth their best effort.
When the therapy program is artistically designed in this manner, your child is able to make sustained progress toward goals and ultimately your child will maximize his/her potential.
Don’t wait any longer
If you think your child has a delay in their fine motor development, contact Skills on the Hill today to learn more about our pediatric therapy services and how they can help your child gain the necessary skills to be successful in life.
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