Poor Motor Skills

[grouchyoscar]

I don't know if this is in the right topic so apologies in advance if I've got it wrong.

DS will be 5 next month and it has been pointed out by his early years teachers that his motor skills are poor. This is causing his education problems and if is difficult for him to do certain things like writing and making friendships

Does anyone have any experience of this or any advice?

DS is very bright and articulate but I'm just not sure how to handle this

TIA

Have a look at this site and see what, if anything, rings bells. Dypraxia affects 1:20, more boys than girls, so is not uncommon and although not curable as such can be mitigated by early intervention and practical help. Either school or gp can refer for an initial assessment. Your ds is still very young so it may be a case of waiitng and seeing if the problems are nto severe but worth getting into the system so you are there if you needs it as waiting times can be lengthy. Good luck

Goodness, he is still really little. It is hard being a summer born boy.

I suggest that you get him "Write from the Start"

www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1855032457/interactiveda3324-21

It will improve his pen control.

How does it affect his 'friendships? '

Cornsilk, It seems that because he is 'clumsy' others keep away from him. Doesn't help that he's a big kid either so a big clumsy boy can be daunting for other kids

Just bumping as I need more info/experiences

DS1 had this. Our GP referred us to an occupational therapy clinic who gave me various exercises (disguised as games) which I could do with him to improve his motor skills. His school were very helpful and run 'special PE' classes for the children who need help with motor skills. All the other kids are very jealous of the few who get these special PE classes. DS1 improved enormously after only a couple of months therapy and has now caught up with his peers.

Motor Dyspraxia was also my first thought reading the OP. I would ask for a referral for an OT assessment (through school or your GP - you can do it yourself as well) and and Ed Psych evaluation. THey can't formally diagnose Dspraxia as it's a medical condition but they can get the ball rolling. If it is Dyspraxia, the earlier intervention the better - OT will proide exercises etc to improve motor skills and pencil control etc.

Motor Dyspraxia was also my first thought reading the OP. I would ask for a referral for an OT assessment (through school or your GP - you can do it yourself as well) and an Ed Psych evaluation. THey can't formally diagnose Dspraxia as it's a medical condition but they can get the ball rolling. If it is Dyspraxia, the earlier intervention the better - OT will proide exercises etc to improve motor skills and pencil control etc.