How to Identify Gross Motor Delay in Your Child

When a child is not reaching their developmental goals when it comes to large muscle groups , this can be a cause for concern and a sign that your child may have gross motor delay. Most children develop these skills through normal play, such as climbing on pillows or passing and eventually throwing a ball. Balancing, crossing the midline (such as vine jumping), and being able to hop on one foot are all activities that involve gross motor skills. But simple skills like sitting with good posture, rolling in both directions, and being able to stand up without falling down also use gross motor skills.

How do you know if your child has gross motor delay?

Children develop at their own pace. Some babies who never crawl start walking early and never have gross motor problems. Some babies roll over later than others, and some babies take their first steps in the bath at ten months (um, my baby).

While a newborn can only make jerky movements and turn their head, between the ages of three and six months, babies should:

• Roll over from belly to back
• Sit with support
• Raise your head and chest while lying on your stomach

As they progress in sitting and rolling, by one year they should:

• Crawl
• Sitting without support
• Pull to get up

By fifteen months, babies should be able to walk. Older children have slightly more differences in their development, but some signs that children may have gross motor delay:

• General weakness or low muscle tone
• Poor balance or frequent falls
• Difficulty throwing or catching the ball
• Need support to sit or poor sitting posture
• Difficulty with jumping, skipping, or jumping

There are different types of gross motor delay. One is bilateral coordination difficulties, when two sides of the body are used at the same time in a coordinated manner, as when riding a bicycle. Another is a lack of core strength or postural endurance, and another has to do with upper limb coordination, such as when playing baseball.

“Always talk to your pediatrician about any issues related to your child’s growth and development, as their experience in differential diagnosis is important,” says Caitlin Sunshagreen, occupational therapist, co-founder and owner of Bright SpOT Pediatric Therapy . They can make sure the delay isn’t caused by anything else and reassure you if the delay isn’t a cause for concern. Many delays resolve on their own or with some purposeful practice, and some are associated with other conditions such as dyspraxia , a common developmental incoordination.

How to help your child cope with gross motor delay

If you suspect or your pediatrician thinks your child has gross motor delay, Sunshagreen suggests seeking free occupational or physical therapy services through your state’s early intervention program or your child’s school. “You can always seek an individualized, private therapeutic assessment from an occupational therapist or physical therapist,” she says. Always check with your insurance company before beginning the assessment process. Some insurance plans cover some or all of the assessments, while others do not. Many insurances cover occupational or physical therapy, but some limit the number of visits you can have in a calendar year.

You can also work on skills at home. Sanshagrin says, ” Using play is the most effective way to teach and develop gross motor skills.” If you make it fun and interesting for your child, it will be like a game. She suggests: “Parents can encourage their children to engage in physical activities that are appropriate for their age and developmental level. This can include activities such as tummy time, crawling, walking, running, jumping and rock climbing.”

You can make changes to your home to suit your child’s needs. “Parents need to create a safe and stimulating environment that encourages their child to explore and move,” Sanshagrin says. “This may include providing toys and equipment that encourages gross motor skills, such as balls, climbing structures, and pusher toys.” Many families have responded to the pandemic by fitting out their garages, backyards, or basements with climbing walls, bouncy houses, or other playground equipment. For families who don’t have the space or desire to turn their home into a play gym, more frequent visits to indoor or outdoor play areas may be suitable for a child who needs to develop gross motor skills.

How to talk about gross motor delay in school

A child with gross motor delay may appear clumsy or unathletic, and it may be a good idea to warn teachers or other school staff to help them prevent bullying or other discrimination. “Explain the situation,” Sanshagrin says. “Provide factual information about the child’s gross motor delay, including any relevant medical diagnoses or evaluations. Clearly explain how gross motor delay affects the child’s daily life and what specific problems he may encounter.

From there, develop a plan to meet your child’s needs. Depending on your child’s diagnosis and specific laws in your state, they may be eligible for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan . At this meeting, or at an informal meeting with your school, Sanshagreen advises to “discuss specific adjustments or changes your child may need to succeed. For example, your child may need extra time to move from one activity to another, or a different seating arrangement to better maintain their posture.”

She says don’t forget to share your child’s strengths. “While it’s important to discuss your child’s gross motor delay, it’s also important to highlight their strengths and abilities. Share what your child likes and excels at to help the teacher, parent, or friend understand that gross motor delay is just one aspect of your child’s development. Many qualified educators have great ideas to help your child. “Stress that you are open to their suggestions and suggestions and appreciate their collaboration,” Sanshagrin says.

Other conditions

Many children with other medical conditions have gross motor delay. Children born prematurely, with genetic conditions such as Down’s syndrome, nerve disorders such as cerebral palsy, or developmental diagnoses such as autism, have gross motor delay. Some children with hypothyroidism also have gross motor delay.

However, if your child does not have a pre-existing medical condition, this may not be cause for concern. Sanshagrin says, “Correlation is by no means equal to causality. I’ve seen a lot of kids who just need to improve their gross motor skills, even if they excel in verbal or cognitive activities.” Regardless of the cause of your child’s gross motor delay, addressing it early and targeted interventions will help teach him to feel confident in his body as he grows up.