clumsiness and lack of awareness in five year old

[fattybum]

ds1 has always been like a bull in a china shop. from the age he could walk taking him anywhere other than the park would be stressful. going into a shop out of his pushchair would be a nightmare, touching everything etc. Now, I know this was typical toddler behaviour, but although he is much improved (can take him to shops etc) he still seems to totally lack an awareness of those around him. Just coming out of school i was talking to another mum whilst walking and he managed to run past her and knock something out of her hand. when he rides his bike/scooter around, he's terrible at minding out of the way for people and seems to think they should always move for him. Sometimes he does seem to have a bit of an attitude about this, but sometimes it's unintentional and he tells me he will try to be less clumsy. I really don't think he means to do it.

I end up getting quite embarrassed by all this, and feel like he's that child that irritates everybody. I don't know how to help him as I don't think he can help himself, and i've had endless chats about looking around him, being aware etc. anyone have experience/advice about this? Will he just "grow" into himself?

Thanks

Have you had his vision tested recently, especially depth perception, and also might be worth asking gp for a paed/ot assessment if it persists as coukd be related to poor proprioception (awareness of own body and relative space between self and others) and/or sensory needs (need to touch and fiddle).

he had his eyes tested about six months ago at school and was fine apparently. Does this sound unusual then? I thought maybe it was quite normal for some young children to be like this? School don't seem to have any problems either, all reports have been good so far.

Thanks

A visual screening test won't necessarily pick up visual subtleties. Visit a local opthamologist, explain your concerns and if needs be ask for a referral. How is he with team games like football, accuracy of throwing/catching, can he easily do exercises like touching hand to opposite knee, hopping and so on ?

My Dd wwas very similar,she also found it hard to give others space, take turns, and would talk very loudly. She was incredibly bright, but lacked spacial awareness and was badly coordinated. Took longer to learn to tie shoelaces and her handwriting was dreadful!! Eventually she was diagnosed with dypraxia. Was he slightly later with his physical milestones? This can be an early indication.

not sure about his sports skills. He's not particularly sporty, but I've never really thought about it. I'll get him to practice hopping and see how he is!

I do sometimes think he's a bit too much in peoples face, but no more than some other children I see. His handwriting is actually quite good, and he has been able to ride a bike without stabilisers since he was 4. Didn't crawl til about 10 months, but was walking at 12 months. He's definitely what I would call a bit "heavy footed" (not the fastest runner etc). It's so hard to know if i'm worrying over nothing, or if there is a real problem!