Gross Motor Delays in Children: Can Occupational Therapy Help?

Key Takeaways: 

• Gross motor delays in children can have a wide range of causes, from genetic genetic conditions, neurological disorders, premature birth, and other developmental issues. 
• Just because your child doesn’t seem to be hitting milestones as quickly as expected doesn’t mean intervention is needed. 
• A paediatric occupational therapist can help assess your child’s gross motor development and aid it if necessary. 

It’s always exciting to watch a baby hit their milestones: the first time they crawl, stand up on their own, or take their first steps.

So when the child seems to be taking much longer than expected to hit these developmental milestones, it’s understandable for parents to be concerned. “Shouldn’t my child be sitting upright by now? Is something wrong? 

There isn’t necessarily something wrong. 

Each child develops at their own pace — some start walking early, others take their time. But when a child consistently struggles with activities that involve movement and coordination, whether that’s sitting upright, crawling, or walking, that could point to a gross motor delay.

Note: The information in this article is meant for general information purposes only. If you suspect that your child is experiencing gross motor delay, seek the advice of their paediatrician. 

What Exactly Are Gross Motor Skills?

The development of each child is typically categorised into five areas:

• Gross motor skills 
• Fine motor skills (holding utensils, feeding oneself)
• Speech and language skills (babbling, cooing, saying their first words)
• Cognitive and intellectual skills (recognising shapes, solving problems)
• Social and emotional skills (smiling, expressing emotions, self-soothing)

Gross motor skills are the foundation for all types of movement. They involve the large muscles of the body—the arms, legs, and core—and allow children to perform everyday activities like:

• Sitting upright without support
• Crawling or walking
• Jumping, running, and climbing
• Balancing on one foot
• Throwing or catching a ball

These skills are foundational for a child’s ability to move independently and interact with the world around them. 

Gross motor delays can sometimes show in a child’s ability to sit upright and play.

What Causes Gross Motor Delays?

There isn’t one single cause for gross motor delay. Some children are simply slower to develop coordination and strength.

However, in other cases, gross motor delays can be caused by: 

• Premature birth
• Low muscle tone (hypotonia)
• Neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy or developmental coordination disorder (dyspraxia)
• Genetic conditions or delays in other developmental areas

Signs Your Child May Have Gross Motor Delays

While every child is unique, you might notice:

• Difficulty sitting without support after 9 months
  
• Not crawling or walking by typical milestones
  
• Trouble running, jumping, or using playground equipment
  
• Clumsiness or frequent falls
  
• Difficulty with balance or coordination
  
• Avoiding physical play or sports
  

If any of these sound familiar, it may be worth speaking with your child’s paediatrician. They may refer you to an occupational therapist for further assessment and support.

How Occupational Therapy Helps

Occupational Therapists are trained to assess how children use their bodies during everyday activities — from play and school to self-care tasks. When it comes to gross motor skills, an OT can:

1. Assess movement and coordination
   They’ll observe how your child moves, balances, and uses their core strength during play and functional tasks.
2. Create an individualised therapy plan
   Based on your child’s abilities and needs, the OT will design fun, goal-oriented activities that build strength, stability, and coordination.
3. Use play-based exercises
   Activities like obstacle courses, scooter boards, balance beams, or animal walks help strengthen muscles while keeping therapy enjoyable.
4. Support everyday participation
   The goal isn’t just to “exercise” — it’s to help your child confidently participate in school, playground activities, and home routines.
5. Work with parents and caregivers
   OTs often provide home programs so you can continue supporting your child’s progress in familiar environments.
   

Early Intervention Matters: When to Seek Help

The earliest months and years of a child’s life are when the brain’s plasticity, or ability to adapt and change based on stimuli, is highest. 

This means the earlier a child receives support, the greater their potential for improvement. 

If you’re unsure whether your child’s development is on track, it’s always okay to ask for guidance. A simple screening or assessment can provide clarity — and if intervention is needed, an OT can develop a plan that supports your child’s growth at their own pace.

Worried That Your Child is Experiencing Gross Motor Delays? 

If you’re concerned about your child’s gross motor abilities, the best thing to do is to seek the advice of their paediatrician first. They will perform tests to accurately assess whether your child’s development is still within the normal range, or if intervention would be best.

In the latter case, the paediatrician may refer you to a physical therapist or paediatric occupational therapist to provide structured, evidence-based support to help your child develop their motor abilities.

If you already have the advice of a paediatrician to seek therapy for your child, and are looking for at-home therapy services in Sydney, our team is here for you.

Call 02 8808 4000 or send us a message through this form and we’ll be happy to answer your enquiries as soon as possible.