Occupational Therapy Package 4: Infant & Youth Motor Skills Assessment Package

This Assessment is based on a Total of 7.5 to 10.5 hours (Under 5 is 7.5 hours and over 5 years is based on 10.5 hours) From ages 3 years to 16 years

Early identification of motor delays is important for early intervention. Our Paediatric Occupational Therapist at Brilliant Minds Psychology offer motor skills assessments from 3 years to 16 years of age. Motor delays can indicate underlying developmental issues or neurological conditions. By assessing your child's motor skills early on, professionals can identify any significant deviations from typical development and determine whether further evaluation and or intervention is needed. Early detection of motor delays allows for timely intervention. Research shows that early intervention can greatly improve outcomes for children with developmental delays. By addressing motor difficulties early, therapists and specialists can provide appropriate interventions and therapies to support your child's motor development and minimize the impact on their overall development. Some children with ongoing motor difficulties may be diagnosed with Developmental Co-ordination Disorder at age 5.
Motor assessments provide insights into the typical developmental milestones and progression of motor skills. By comparing your child's abilities to age-appropriate norms, professionals can determine whether your child's motor skills are developing within the expected range or if there are any significant deviations that require attention.
A comprehensive motor assessment helps professionals understand your child's specific strengths and weaknesses in motor development. This information is crucial for developing individualised intervention plans tailored to your child's unique needs. Therapists can target specific areas of concern and provide strategies and activities to promote motor skill development. Early motor assessments often involve collaboration among different professionals, such as paediatricians, physical therapists, and developmental specialists. This interdisciplinary approach allows for a comprehensive evaluation of your child's motor skills, ensuring a more accurate assessment and better-informed decisions regarding further evaluations or interventions.
An early motor assessment is essential for identifying and addressing any potential motor delays or difficulties in your child's development. It enables timely intervention, promotes optimal motor skill development, and supports your child's overall growth and well-being. If you have concerns about your child's motor development, it is advisable to consult with healthcare professionals or specialists experienced in child development and early intervention.

Red Flags to Look Out For

There are several red flags or signs that may indicate early motor difficulties in children. It's important to note that every child develops at their own pace, and occasional variations in motor skills are normal. However, if you observe persistent or multiple signs from the list below, it may be a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or specialist for further evaluation. Here are some red flags to watch for:

• Delays in reaching motor milestones: Difficulty achieving typical developmental milestones, such as rolling over, sitting up, crawling, standing, or walking, within the expected age range.
• Persistent clumsiness or lack of coordination: Frequent falls, difficulty with balance, poor hand-eye coordination, or trouble performing tasks that require precise movements, such as buttoning clothes or using utensils.
• Weak muscle tone: Hypotonia or "floppiness" in the muscles, making it challenging for the child to maintain posture, control movements, or support their body weight.
• Excessive stiffness or rigidity: Hypertonia or increased muscle tone, leading to stiff movements, resistance to being moved or positioned, or difficulty relaxing muscles.
• Unusual postures or movement patterns: Persistent adoption of atypical body positions or movement patterns, such as toe-walking, walking on the balls of the feet, excessively turned-in or turned-out feet, or an unusual gait.
• Poor fine motor skills: Difficulty with tasks that require precise finger movements, such as grasping objects, holding a pencil or crayon, manipulating small objects, or completing puzzles.
• Lack of hand preference: Delay in establishing a dominant hand (left or right) for activities that require hand skills, such as drawing, writing, or using scissors.
• Challenges with self-help skills: Difficulty with activities of daily living, such as dressing, feeding, brushing teeth, or tying shoelaces, beyond what is expected for their age.
• Lack of interest in physical activities: Disinterest or avoidance of physical play, sports, or activities that involve movement and coordination.
• Unusual muscle tone in the face or body: Observing tightness or weakness in facial muscles, abnormal reflexes, or unusual posturing of the limbs.

What problems may be suitable for a Motor Skills Assessment?

• If your child is clumsy
• Difficulty with co-ordination
• Difficulty completing smooth continuous movement
• Fine motor difficulties
• Gross motor difficulties such as difficulty running, jumping, skipping etc.
• Visual perception difficulties
• Poor hand eye-coordination

Conditions Typically Assessed with the Movement ABC

There are certain conditions that affect movement and require a movement assessment. It's important to note that the Movement ABC is a tool for assessing motor skills and identifying areas of motor difficulty, but a diagnosis of a specific condition requires a comprehensive evaluation. The assessment results, along with other clinical information and observations, can help guide further evaluations, interventions, and support for children with motor difficulties. Some conditions that may affect moement include some of the following conditions:

• Acquired brain injury and Traumatic Braiin Injury
• Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD): DCD, also known as dyspraxia, is a common condition characterised by difficulties with motor coordination and planning. The Movement ABC is often used as part of the assessment process for diagnosing DCD, as it helps identify specific motor impairments and rule out other potential causes. (This is not diagnosed until age 5 years old).
• Cerebral Palsy (CP): CP is a group of disorders that affect movement and posture. The Movement ABC can assist in evaluating motor impairments related to CP, such as difficulties with fine motor skills, balance, and coordination.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Children with ASD often exhibit motor difficulties, including challenges with coordination, imitation of movements, and motor planning. The Movement ABC can help identify these motor impairments and contribute to a comprehensive assessment of children with ASD.
• Genetic Disorders, such as Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, or Prader-Willi syndrome, helping to identify specific areas of impairment and guide intervention planning.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Motor coordination issues are common in children with ADHD. The Movement ABC can assess specific motor skills affected by ADHD, such as balance, fine motor control, and motor planning.

What is Involved?

• Session 1: Initial intake parent/caregiver session to gather information relating to your child’s motor skills (1 hour).
• Session 2: 1.5 hour in-clinic session with your child to administer a standardised assessment tailored to your child’s needs (1.5 hours) using the Movement ABC-2. Will require more time for those over 5 years of age.
• Additional questionanires including the Vineland 3. If additional assessments are needed
• Session 3: Feedback session (1 hour)
• Report writing and treatment plan – 4 hours of clinician time. (Under 5 package is 7.5 hours)
• (Over 5 is 10.5 hours as additional measures are used).
• This Assessment is based on a Total of 7.5-10.5 hours (assessment time may vary depending on whether a Developmental Co-ordination Disorder is also assessed for after age 5 years - this would include 10.5 hours of assessment).