Child Development

decide whether intervention is needed and also to
guide goal setting and outcome measurement.

Delays in Gross Motor and Fine Motor

Development

When children are not able to perform the motor
skills at the appropriate milestones, their motor de-
velopment may need to be evaluated by a profession-
al. When motor skills do not progress along a normal
trend, a child may be at risk for missing out on poten-
tial learning and social experiences. Children who
demonstrate potential motor delays are at risk for
continuing these delays throughout later develop-
ment. For example, a child who demonstrates weak
hand strength and has difficulty coordinating finger
movement may have trouble with handwriting in
school.

Early Intervention

After 1986, legislation was passed at the state
level to set up services that assist families who suspect
their child may have some developmental delays.
These services are called early intervention systems.
The main purpose of early intervention is to offer
evaluation and treatment to children from birth to
age three and to their families. The professionals in-
volved with early intervention are members of a team
who test a child’s skills to see where the child’s current
skills are in relation to the chronological age. Chil-
dren who are not doing many motor activities typical
of their age may be considered at risk or delayed.
These children may not have the strength, coordina-
tion, or balance to do most things that others of their
age can do. The professionals involved in early inter-
vention include occupational therapists, physical
therapists, speech language pathologists, special edu-

cation teachers, nurses, doctors, social workers, and

service coordinators. Each of these professionals help

the child and family learn about ways to improve

motor coordination so the child can function more in-

dependently.

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282 MOTOR DEVELOPMENT