Fine and Gross Motor Skills
Psychologists | Speech Language Pathologists | Occupational Therapists | Exercise Physiologists | Therapy Assistants
Psychologists | Speech Language Pathologists | Occupational Therapists | Exercise Physiologists | Therapy Assistants |
What are fine and gross motor skills?
Motor skills are the physical skills we use to move through and interact with the world. They fall into two main categories:
Fine motor skills involve the small, precise movements of the hands and fingers — things like holding a pencil, doing up buttons, using scissors, or manipulating small objects. These skills are essential for writing, drawing, self-care tasks, and many everyday activities.
Gross motor skills involve the larger movements of the whole body — running, jumping, climbing, throwing, catching, and balancing. These skills support physical play, sport, coordination, and the ability to move safely through different environments.
When motor skills are developing differently, it can affect how children participate in school, play, and daily life — and sometimes it can affect their confidence too. The good news is that with targeted OT support, most children make meaningful progress.
What does a motor skill difficulty look like?
- Difficulty holding or controlling a pencil or crayon
- Struggles with self-care tasks like doing up buttons, zips, or shoelaces
- Difficulty using scissors or manipulating small objects
- Avoidance of drawing, colouring, or craft activities
- Hands that tire quickly during writing or fine motor tasks
- Difficulty with balance — tripping, bumping into things, or appearing clumsy
- Struggles with physical activities like running, jumping, catching, or climbing
- Difficulty learning to ride a bike or swim
- Appearing younger than their age in physical play
- Tiring more quickly than peers during physical activity
Fine motor
Gross motor
How can occupational therapy help?
Support at Spectrum Therapy Australia may include:
- A thorough motor skills assessment
- Play-based activities that build the underlying strength, coordination, and body awareness behind motor skills
- Specific fine motor programs targeting pencil grip, hand strength, and dexterity
- Gross motor programs building balance, coordination, and confidence in physical play
- Support for self-care skills like dressing and personal hygiene
- Home programs that build motor skills through fun, everyday activities
- Collaboration with schools and PE teachers where relevant
Fine motor skills underpin a wide range of everyday activities — from doing up buttons and managing a lunchbox to using scissors, drawing, and completing classroom tasks. When these skills are developing differently, the impact can extend well beyond handwriting, affecting a child's independence, confidence, and participation across home and school. Early support can make a significant difference.
Participation in sport is wonderful, but if the foundational motor skills aren't there, sport can feel frustrating rather than helpful. OT builds the underlying skills first — making sport and physical activity more accessible and enjoyable.
"Fine motor difficulties are just a handwriting problem, it's not a big deal."
FACT
FACT
Myth
"More sport will fix their gross motor skills."
Myth
Some children do naturally develop better coordination over time. But for others, particularly those with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD, also known as dyspraxia), motor difficulties are persistent and benefit significantly from targeted OT support.
FACT
"They're just clumsy, they'll grow out of it."
Myths and facts about fine & gross motor skills
Myth
DCD (sometimes called dyspraxia) is a recognised neurodevelopmental condition affecting motor skill development. Children with DCD have significant difficulty with coordination that isn't explained by intellectual disability or other neurological conditions. OT is the primary recommended support for DCD.
What is Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)?
How long does motor skills therapy take?
Can motor skill difficulties affect my child's confidence and willingness to participate in activities?
This varies widely depending on the nature and extent of the difficulty, the child's age, and how much practice happens between sessions. Your OT will discuss realistic expectations after assessment and review progress with you regularly.
Frequently asked questions
Absolutely, and this is something we take seriously. Children who find physical tasks consistently harder than their peers can become reluctant to join in, avoid activities they find challenging, or lose confidence in themselves more broadly. Addressing motor skill difficulties early means children are less likely to miss out on the social, physical, and developmental benefits of active play and participation — and more likely to feel capable and willing to give things a go.
Behind every success story, there’s a passionate support team.
The Spectrum Therapy team is as diverse as they come — speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, exercise physiologists, and therapy assistants. They’re not just experts, they’re the secret sauce behind our whole-child approach.
OUR SERVICES
A peek inside our most popular programs
We offer more services, including intensives and other specialised programs.
TAKE A DEEPER DIVE INTO ALL OUR SERVICES
Masterclasses For Parents & Professionals
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Psychology therapy
Diagnostic And Functional Assessment
Social Connection Programs
Occupational therapy
Navigating the physical world is more than just playing on the monkey bars! OT helps teach essential life skills, like writing, using the bathroom, dressing independently, and emotion regulation and sensory difficulties.
Masterclasses For Parents & Professionals
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Psychology therapy
Diagnostic And Functional Assessment
Social Connection Programs
Speech therapy
Many of us take communication for granted, but its subtleties can be tricky for others. Our speech-language pathologists help your child master these language nuances and develop their social skills.
Masterclasses For Parents & Professionals
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Psychology therapy
Diagnostic And Functional Assessment
Social Connection Programs
Psychology Therapy
Therapy can benefit anyone, but for individuals with autism, it can be transformative. We provide a safe space to address big emotions, helping your child find calm, clarity, and confidence.
Masterclasses For Parents & Professionals
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Psychology therapy
Diagnostic And Functional Assessment
Social Connection Programs
Diagnostic and Functional Assessment
A diagnosis is more than a label. It’s an explanation. Understanding your child’s diagnosis is the first step to unlocking the right support and resources they need.
Masterclasses For Parents & Professionals
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Psychology therapy
Diagnostic And Functional Assessment
Social Connection Programs
Social Connection Programs
There’s no better way for your child to master friendship skills than in an interactive setting! This gives your child a fun and engaging opportunity to practise social interactions in a supportive environment.
Masterclasses For Parents & Professionals
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Psychology therapy
Diagnostic And Functional Assessment
Social Connection Programs
Masterclasses For Parents
Sick of endless Googling and second-guessing? Our self-paced masterclasses empower you with the tools to support your child's unique needs and become the parent you've always wanted to be.
TAKE OUR CLINIC FOR A TEST DRIVE WITH THIS FREE GUIDE
5 Ways to Help Your Child Regulate Big Emotions
Feeling overwhelmed trying to help your little one with big feelings? This FREE comprehensive guide, packed with evidence-based tools, covers everything from environment to sensory strategies, giving you practical support you can use right away.
RESOURCES YOU’LL FIND HELPFUL
Visit our shop!
This is your one-stop shop for all things early childhood development! Here, you can find our guides, self-paced courses, stimming toys, and more, accessible to families everywhere.
