Developmental Articles: Primary Grades

Typical and Atypical Motor Development (Nov 4, 2010). Christianson, Cassy, OTR/L Retrieved on January 21, 2012, from http://www.AbilityPath.org/areas-of-development/physical-development/motor-skills/articles/typical-and-atypical-motor-development.html

This article looks at typical and atypical development, how it is tracked, and what parents and family members should do if they notice issues with the developmental process of their child. It explains what typical development should be like in most children and explains what atypical development could be. In typical development "developmental milestones include physical or behavioral signs of physical, social, and cognitive progress that lead to mastery over one's environment." (Christianson) Abilities of typical development include smiling, crawling, manipulating objects, walking, and self-care. Most children achieve these milestones without complications while others do. In atypical development "you might be concerned if your child is not yet crawling or walking when many peers are already displaying this skill." (Christianson) This article also looks at what could cause developmental delays in some children and not in others. "The causes of motor delays are many. They include these factors: Genetics – Intrauterine and other environmental factors and prematurity. In some cases, the cause is unknown." (Christianson)

This information could be helpful for parents because it helps them to understand the developmental process in their child. It explains what parents may think is atypical behavior and how typical behavior can be slow to develop in some children. It also makes parents aware that "there are variations in typical development. That's why developmental milestones are noted as ranges." (Christianson) This article also informs parents of the evaluations and tests that their pediatrician may recommend. It provides a link to the more serious diagnosis that parents may face so that they can research them.