Is your child experiencing difficulties grasping small objects, holding utensils, using scissors, and/or handwriting?  Is feeding (picking up foods and using utensils difficult for your child?  All of these involve hand eye coordination, and if some of all of these challenges are present, then your child may be exhibiting delays in their fine motor system.  Your child’s fine motor system is used extensively each day for everyday tasks, especially in school. Delays in this system can have a significant effect on their emotional well being and academic success. Some tasks can become overly frustrating and lead to anxiety. Many children develop low self-esteem, hyperactive or avoidant behaviors, and can even withdraw socially.

1. Get your child assessed by a professional that will identify the core physical elements of their fine motor delay (i.e. weakness in the hand muscles, hand dexterity, positioning, etc.) while also identifying how their emotional perceptions of previous experiences have impacted them.
   • A child’s emotional needs can be one of the main components supporting or impeeding growth in an area of development. 
   • A professional is only treating 50% of the child if they are only addressing the physical aspect(s) of the delay. 
   • A comprehensive program must address both the child’s physical and the emotional needs of the child. 
2. Create an in office and at home program that addresses both the physical and the emotional needs of the child.
3. Implement the program over 8-12 weeks.