Many fine-motor skill difficulties go undiagnosed during preschool and kindergarten, because of the wide range of abilities among children of these ages. When the more structured learning begins in first grade, children whose motor skills make them unable to write legibly or rapidly often feel frustrated. By watching for signs of serious fine-motor difficulties, you can help ensure prompt evaluation and treatment--and a more successful and positive school experience.
Significance
Poorly developed fine-motor skills can affect a school-age child's ability to dress herself, tie her own shoes, write neatly and legibly, and cut paper and other objects. The lack of these skills can make her unable to keep up with her classmates and even lower some of her grades. Children suffering fine-motor difficulties might appear ashamed or embarrassed by their handwriting, which can negatively affect their self-esteem.
Identification
While fine-motor skills vary significantly among school-age children, certain issues or concerns can help doctors identify fine-motor deficits in children of this age range. Dr. Anna Maria Wilms Floet, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Maryland, suggests you seek an evaluation if your child fails to hold his pencil properly even after practicing the correct grip in a school setting. Other red flags include failing to choose a dominant hand by age 4 to 5, and using his entire arm to write instead of just his hand and wrist. You also might notice that your child demonstrates a pattern of "clumsy" behaviors, spilling food, dropping objects or breaking things.
Considerations
Children who have difficulty with their fine-motor skills are often reluctant to perform activities using these skills, such as writing, putting together puzzles or drawing. In fact, parents might remember that their child avoided many of these activities from a very young age. Many children with fine-motor deficits also struggle to develop their pincer grasp, sit up or walk, according to Floet.
Misconceptions
Lisa Kurtz, the author of "How to Help a Clumsy Child: Strategies for Young Children with Developmental Motor Concerns," cautions that not all fine-motor difficulties pose serious developmental or learning concerns. While some fine-motor problems and persistent clumsiness can occur alongside serious developmental problems, such as autism, mental retardation or cerebral palsy, they also can be part of a normal child's development or accompany more minor conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or a learning disorder.
Prevention/Solution
Take your child to an occupational therapist so that she can evaluate his motor skills and create a treatment plan to help your child address any fine-motor issues. Occupational therapists focus on a child's physical well-being, as well as any environmental factors that affect his ability to function, according to the American Occupational Therapy Association.
References
- Medline: School-age Children Development
- American Family Physician: Evaluation of Clumsiness in Children
- Kids Health: Occupational Therapy
- "How to Help a Clumsy Child"; Lisa Kurz; 2003
- AOTA: Living Life to its Fullest
