The progression of physical growth and motor skills follows a generally stable pattern of development.
Physical Growth and Motor Skills - Infants learn to coordinate the movements of their bodies as they are constantly changing; numerous factors influence the rate of motor development.
- Stability of motor development is fostered by the cephalocaudal and proximodistal principles.
Brain Growth and Motor Development - Myelinization and expanding dendrite connections account for brain growth after birth.
- Motor development is influenced by neurons moving into the cerebral cortex and surrounding area of the brain.
Reflexes - Reflexes are unlearned, involuntary responses to different stimuli; some are present at birth, some appear several weeks or months later.
- Reflexes change and/or disappear as brain growth occurs.
Large Motor Skills and Locomotion - Large, gross motor skills progress as an infant practices generalized movement.
- Milestones for large motor development exist but should be used with caution; each child is unique and growth rates may vary.
Small Motor Skills and Manipulation - Small, fine motor skills related to hand and finger movements advance rapidly during the first 18 months.
- Self-help tasks are some of the best activities to foster small motor skills.
Fostering Motor Development - Encourage infants and toddlers to practice what they know how to do; avoid "teaching" motor skills.
- Everyday experiences and interactions are the best ways to foster brain growth and neural connections, and thus impact motor development.
Children with Special Needs: Developmental Delays - Early intervention concerning a developmental delay is based on an understanding of healthy child development.
- Providing basic play experiences and more practice time with a nurturing adult can be the most helpful way to support children with motor delays.
|