Impairment in motor skills presents as difficulty with movement. This includes gross movements such as walking and fine movements such as writing.
Gross motor skills
Children with gross motor impairment have trouble with everyday activities like walking, running and climbing. Initial evaluation may involve standardized testing with a physical therapist to identify problem areas. They will then focus treatment on those areas. Some children benefit from ongoing therapy for gross motor impairments as well as bracing and equipment in some cases.
Fine motor function
Children with fine motor impairment have trouble with skills such as drawing, writing, typing, interacting with toys, etc. Initial evaluation may involve standardized testing with an occupational therapist to identify problem areas. Treatment then focuses on these specific areas and can include ongoing occupational therapy as well as other treatments guided by the medical team.
Most neurological conditions can’t be cured, but treatment will often improve a child’s capabilities. In general, the earlier treatment begins, the better chance children have of overcoming impairments or learning new ways to accomplish the tasks that challenge them. There is no standard therapy that works for every child. Our team will work with a child and their parents to identify specific impairments and needs and then develop an appropriate plan to tackle the core issues and goals for the family and child.