Motor Delay in 2 Year Old Children

By August 3, 2024 September 28th, 2024 Occupational Therapy
Motor delay in 2 year old with Occupational Therapist in Bondi Junction and Mascot

Understanding Motor Delays in 2-Year-Olds: How Occupational Therapy Can Help

Motor skills are crucial for a child’s growth, helping them explore their surroundings and perform everyday tasks. By the age of two, most children have developed a range of fine and gross motor skills. However, some children may not reach these milestones as expected, leading to concerns about motor delay. Recognising these delays and knowing how to support your child through Occupational Therapy can significantly impact their development. If you’re in Bondi Junction or Mascot, this guide will help you understand motor delays in 2-year-olds and how our occupational therapists can help.

What is Motor Delay?

Motor delay occurs when a child doesn’t reach the typical milestones for motor development. There are two categories of motor skills:

  • Gross Motor Skills: These involve larger muscle movements, like walking, running, jumping, and climbing.
  • Fine Motor Skills: These involve smaller movements, such as picking up objects, holding utensils, or drawing.

A motor delay means a child is taking longer than usual to develop these skills.

Typical Motor Milestones for 2-Year-Olds

By age two, most children should meet the following motor milestones:

Gross Motor Skills:

  • Walking: Most children can walk independently and may start running.
  • Climbing: They should be able to climb onto and off furniture without help.
  • Kicking and Throwing: They can kick a ball and throw objects.
  • Jumping: Some children may start to jump with both feet leaving the ground.

Fine Motor Skills:

  • Using Utensils: Children begin using spoons and forks with some accuracy.
  • Building Towers: They can stack blocks to build simple towers.
  • Drawing: They start making simple marks on paper, such as lines and circles.
  • Turning Pages: They can turn pages of a book, though often several at a time.

Signs of Motor Delay

If a child is not reaching these milestones, it may indicate a motor delay. Here are some key signs to look out for:

  • Not Walking Independently: If your child is unable to walk without support by age two, this could be a sign of motor delay.
  • Difficulty Climbing: Struggling to climb onto furniture or stairs may indicate a delay in gross motor development.
  • Not Kicking or Throwing: Lack of interest or difficulty kicking a ball or throwing objects can also signal a motor delay.
  • Limited Fine Motor Skills: Difficulty using utensils, stacking blocks, or making simple marks on paper suggests a delay in fine motor skills.
  • Clumsiness: If your child’s movements seem particularly clumsy or they frequently trip and fall, this might be another indicator of motor delay.

Causes of Motor Delay

Several factors can contribute to motor delays in children. These include:

  • Premature Birth: Premature babies often develop motor skills later than full-term peers.
  • Genetic Conditions: Conditions like Down syndrome can affect motor development.
  • Neurological Disorders: Disorders affecting the brain, such as cerebral palsy, can lead to motor delays.
  • Muscle Disorders: Conditions impacting muscle tone and strength may cause delays in motor development.
  • Lack of Opportunities: Limited opportunities for physical activity and exploration can also contribute to motor delays.

How Occupational Therapy Can Help Children with Motor Delay

Occupational Therapy (OT) plays a crucial role in helping children with motor delays reach their milestones. If your child is struggling with motor skills, OT can provide targeted support to encourage development.

Here’s how you can support a child with motor delay at home and through Occupational Therapy in Bondi Junction and Mascot:

Encourage Movement

Create a safe and engaging space for your child to move, walk, climb, and play. Encourage them to move around as much as possible. The more they practice, the more their muscles and motor skills will develop. Movement helps bilateral coordination.

Play Active Games

Engage in active games like chasing bubbles, playing ball, or dancing to music. These activities can help strengthen both gross and fine motor skills.

Practice Climbing

Help your child practice climbing by using safe play structures or furniture. Supervise them to ensure safety, but allow them to explore and develop their coordination.

Use Toys to Encourage Fine Motor Skills

Offer toys that require grasping, stacking, and manipulation, such as building blocks, shape sorters, and crayons. These types of toys promote hand eye coordination and fine motor development. This helps your child practice the precise movements needed for tasks like writing and drawing.

Engage in Daily Activities

Involve your child in daily activities that promote motor skills. This can include tasks like helping to set the table, turning the pages of a book, or stirring ingredients during cooking.

Tummy Time

Though more common for younger children, tummy time can still be beneficial for 2-year-olds. It helps strengthen core muscles, which are crucial for balance and motor control.

Be Patient and Positive

Celebrate your child’s efforts and progress, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement encourages them to keep trying and helps them feel more confident in their abilities.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you notice signs of motor delay in your 2-year-old, it’s essential to consult a paediatrician. They can conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if there is a delay and what might be causing it. Early intervention is crucial for helping children with motor delays catch up to their peers. In many cases, a referral to an occupational therapist may be recommended.

How Occupational Therapy Can Help

At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy in Bondi Junction and Mascot, our team of experienced occupational therapists works with children to help them overcome motor delays. We use play-based therapy to engage children in activities that build both fine and gross motor skills. Our personalised therapy plans ensure that each child receives the specific support they need to thrive.

Real Stories of Progress

Meet Mia, a 2-year-old who struggled with motor skills. Mia couldn’t walk independently and had difficulty with basic tasks like stacking blocks. After a few months of occupational therapy at OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, Mia started walking confidently and was able to complete more fine motor tasks. Her parents were thrilled with her progress, and Mia is now meeting many of her milestones.

Reach Out for Support

If you’re concerned about your child’s motor development or want to learn more about how Occupational Therapy can support your child, we are here to help. Our clinics in Bondi Junction and Mascot offer expert support for children with motor delays, autism, and developmental challenges.

Call us on (02) 80657837 or email us to book a free 30-minute phone call. Let’s discuss how we can support your child’s unique journey.

Our Occupational Therapists are proud members of AHPRA.

At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to grow and thrive. We’re committed to helping your child reach their full potential through personalised, high-quality care in Bondi Junction and Mascot. Reach out today and take the first step towards supporting your child’s development.