A new report published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) revealed that early recognition of motor delay problems in children can be greatly beneficial in finding the appropriate specialists for treatment.

The study, titled “Motor Delays: Early Identification and Evaluation,” and published in the journal Pediatrics, strongly encourages pediatricians to screen and evaluate children with suspected motor delays at 9, 18, and 30 months.

According to the abstract of the article, the “earlier identification of motor delays allows for timely referral for developmental interventions as well as diagnostic evaluations and treatment planning.”

Doctors should carefully observe an range of different motor skills, including:

  • Walking
  • Climbing stairs
  • Grasping objects
  • Scribbling
  • Putting blocks in a cup
  • Drawing a stick figure

It is crucial that pediatricians communicate any concerns about a child’s risk for developmental problems to parents/guardiansc.

Early intervention or special education resources should be considered as soon as a child is diagnosed with a developmental disorder.

An algorithm for screening and diagnosing motor diseases was included in the report.

Garey Nortiz, MD, FAAP, co-author of the clinical report, said:

“We hope this approach will shorten the ‘diagnostic odyssey’ encountered by many children with motor delays, and more quickly get these children to appropriate specialists for treatment.”

Nancy Murphy, MD, FAAP, co-author, added:

“This report provides pediatricians with a quick and easy approach to the detection of motor delays in children. By watching kids move and play during physical examinations, you can quickly detect those who need a bit more attention, and early recognition can lead to medical and functional interventions that optimize outcomes.”

Recently the Breathe Arts Health Research, a social enterprise developing creative approaches to tackle healthcare issues, designed a new form of therapy made to help young people suffering from hemiplegia – paralysis of the arm, leg, and trunk on the same side of the body.

The therapy encourages the movements required in order to train the affected limbs, thus restoring much motor functionality. It has helped children develop their motor skills and subsequently become more independent.

Written by Joseph Nordqvist