Fine Motor Delays

Fine motor delays refer to impairments in the use of small muscle groups and in the execution of precise actions using small body parts such as fingers, hands, wrists, toes, feet, the mouth, or eyes. When a specific fine motor milestone is not reached by the expected age, the skill is considered delayed. Of specific concern are impairments in hand functions that can affect a child’s daily living (e.g., dressing or feeding oneself) and academic performance (e.g., writing or drawing). Movements are the result of dynamic interactions between fine and gross motor systems, and, in most cases, delays in fine and gross motor skills co-occur. Therefore, successful intervention strategies require a holistic approach that takes gross motor skill level into account when targeting fine motor ...