Fine Motor Skills

What are fine motor skills?

Fine motor skills are the small, precise movements you and your child make with your fingers, hands, toes, and feet. They’re easy to take for granted but enable the completion of myriad everyday tasks, such as:

• Holding a pen or pencil
• Handwriting
• Tying your shoes
• Using scissors
• Turning a doorknob
• Fastening buttons
• Typing
• Eating with a spoon or fork
• Folding clothes
• Playing musical instruments like the guitar or piano
• Using a video game controller

Nobody starts out able to do these things, and we develop these skills over time. While it’s normal for children to learn things slightly earlier or later than their peers, healthcare providers have established milestones that act as benchmarks for different ages. If you suspect your child’s fine motor skills are struggling, contact A Grade Therapy for an evaluation.

What conditions can impact fine motor skills?

Many conditions can cause temporary or permanent motor skill issues, including:

• Down syndrome
• Stroke
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Developmental delay
• Hydrocephalus
• Muscular dystrophy
• Cerebral palsy
• Sensory processing disorder
• Dysgraphia
• Spina bifida
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Everyone has different capabilities, but regardless of your child’s starting point, A Grade Therapy is dedicated to improving their quality of life with pain-free, effective therapies.

How can therapy benefit my child’s fine motor skills?

A Grade Therapy offers in-home or virtual visits, so no matter what, your child will be interacting with a provider in a space they feel comfortable. After a thorough fine motor skills evaluation, Aaron identifies areas where therapy can benefit your child and provides a personalized therapy plan.

Your child’s tailored plan may address:

• Coordination
• Precision or dexterity
• Awareness and planning
• Muscle strength

Your child may also struggle with fine motor skills if they don’t have normal sensations in their extremities.

What can I expect during my child’s fine motor skills appointments?

Developing these crucial skills can require consistent exercise. Each care plan is individualized and may include lots of games or fun activities to build toward more complex skills.

A Grade Therapy can also help you adapt objects for your child’s use (for example, using Velcro®-fastening shoes) or break down tasks into simpler steps to build confidence and independence.

To learn more about fine motor skills development, call A Grade Therapy to schedule your in-home or virtual appointment today.