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Motor Delays & Impairments

Siskin offers support and services for children and infants with
motor delays. Request a referral to our Chattanooga clinic today.

Symptoms  Causes  Treatment  Next Steps

Assisting Infants & Children With Motor Delays

Every child develops at their own pace, and occasional delays may not necessarily indicate a long-term issue. However, if you have concerns about your child’s ability to move and navigate their environment, your child may benefit from an evaluation for motor delays.

Motor delay refers to a lag in the development of a child’s motor skills, which involve the coordination and control of muscles for movement. Motor delays can affect gross motor skills, movements involving the whole body, such as rolling over or walking; and fine motor skills, which involve the coordination of smaller muscles, usually the hands and fingers. Common signs of a motor delay include:

  • Delayed rolling over, crawling, sitting without support, standing, or walking
  • Difficulty grasping objects, manipulating toys, or picking up small objects
  • Difficulty performing tasks that require hand-eye coordination or using both sides of the body together
  • Difficulty tracking objects visually
  • Unsteady walking, frequent falls, or difficulty with activities that require balance, such as riding a bike or jumping
  • Weak muscles or low muscle tone, also called hypotonia
  • Delayed or atypical reflexes

If your child is showing symptoms of a motor delay, ask your pediatrician about an evaluation.

Make a Referral

What Causes Motor Delays?

Motor delays have many potential causes, including:

  • Genetic conditions, such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and muscular dystrophy
  • Premature birth
  • Neurological conditions, such as brain injuries or malformations
  • Heart defects
  • Respiratory problems
  • Chronic illness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Sensory processing issues
  • Exposure to toxins such as lead or mercury
  • Lack of opportunity for movement or limited access to a safe environment to explore

It’s important to remember that motor delays can have multiple contributing factors, and each child’s situation is unique. Motor delays can also co-occur with disorders that do not cause them, such as autism.


Therapy for Motor Delays

Early Intervention Is Key

Treatment for motor delays often involves a collaborative approach with a team of healthcare professionals, including pediatricians, therapists, and educators. Many children with motor delays benefit from therapeutic interventions such as speech, occupational, or physical therapy.

In addition to therapy sessions, your child’s healthcare team may also recommend the use of assistive technology or mobility aids (such as wheelchairs or wheelchairs), home-based exercises, and adjustments to the child’s physical environment at home.

Ask Your Pediatrician About a Referral to Siskin

At Siskin, we understand that promoting children’s health and well-being is a team effort. Relying on the expertise of relying on developmental pediatricians, occupational therapists, and other specialists, our caring team will develop an individualized treatment plan for your child and support your family throughout the process. If you suspect your child has motor delays, don’t delay care. Ask your child’s provider about a referral to Siskin today.

Make a Referral