Understanding motor skill development motor skills are essential abilities that begin developing within a child’s first year of life. Delays in either gross or fine motor skills can lead to developmental challenges.
It is crucial for parents to recognize the signs early so they can seek therapy as soon as possible. The earlier the intervention, the better the improvement.
Signs of Fine Motor Delays
Motor skills are divided into two categories: gross motor skills and fine motor skills. Gross motor skills involve large muscles and major body movements, such as walking, sitting, standing, running, jumping, kicking, and lifting objects.
Fine motor skills, on the other hand, involve small muscles in the fingers, hands, feet, and wrists. These skills also require coordination between nerves, muscles, and joints. Good dexterity is a sign of well-developed fine motor skills.
Examples of fine motor skills include grasping objects, holding a pencil, drawing, writing, and buttoning clothes. Children with fine motor delays struggle with these tasks.
Developmental Milestones and Signs of Fine Motor Delay by Age:
0-6 Months:
- Unable to grasp objects with one or both hands.
- Hands remain clenched when given an object (grasp reflex does not appear).
6-12 Months:
- Cannot pinch or grasp objects using the thumb and another finger.
- Unable to transfer objects from one hand to another.
- Difficulty holding toys or bringing food or objects to the mouth.
1-2 Years:
- Difficulty turning doorknobs.
- Struggles with using a spoon and fork while eating.
- Always needs help turning book pages.
- Cannot stack building blocks.
2-3 Years:
- Struggles to hold writing or drawing tools.
Additional signs of fine motor delays include:
- Walking on tiptoes.
- Appearing clumsy or uncoordinated.
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing.
Causes of Fine Motor Skill Delays
Fine motor delays can be symptoms of underlying health conditions. Issues with the central nervous system, peripheral nerves, sensory abilities, or musculoskeletal system may contribute to these delays.
Some conditions that can cause fine motor delays include:
- Neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida.
- Muscular dystrophy.
- Autism spectrum disorder.
- Developmental delays.
- Dysgraphia.
- Sensory processing disorders.
How to Overcome Fine Motor Delays
If you suspect your child has fine motor delays, consult a pediatric developmental specialist. A doctor can evaluate the condition and determine the underlying cause.
To help children catch up in fine motor development, occupational therapy is often recommended. Occupational therapy is a type of physiotherapy that helps improve a child’s ability to perform daily tasks, such as grasping, buttoning clothes, and dressing.
In addition to therapy, parents should continue providing stimulation at home to support fine motor skill development. Here are some effective activities:
- Encourage tummy time from an early age.
- Introduce different textures to improve sensory processing.
- Provide objects that enhance gripping abilities.
- Play sorting games that involve putting objects into and out of containers.
- Allow children to turn book pages independently.
- Encourage finger painting or drawing with their hands.
- Stack cups or building blocks as a fun activity.
- Practice eating with utensils to enhance coordination.
- Teach children to pour water into containers of various sizes.
If you are concerned about your child’s fine motor development, consult a pediatric developmental specialist at Children’s Clinic at Mandaya Royal Hospital. Schedule an appointment through WhatsApp chat, book online, or download the Care Dokter app on Google Play and the App Store for easy scheduling, queue tracking, and convenient consultations.
