Motor Skill Delays

It is rare that folks bring their children in specifically for motor skill delays, but it happens sometimes. It is more likely that something else is going on, too. The first thing we ask ourselves at Down To Earth is whether the delays seem to be caused by something that is permanent and unchangeable or whether the delays are due to some situational variables that can be affected. If it seems that a permanent condition is responsible, we work with parents to have reasonable expectations, accept their child as he is, and work with the child to improve his skills as much as possible. If something situational seems to be the cause, then the situation is treated instead, not the child. Sometimes children experience delays because there is something problematic going on in the household like parental fighting, inconsistent parenting, neglectful parenting, abuse, or parental depression. Once the situation is treated, the child often improves without treatment of any kind.