In 2019, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) (2019) recommended these developmental milestones:

Age	Gross Motor Skills	Fine Motor Skills	Feeding Skills

0-3 months

- Lifts head briefly when on tummy - Turns head to track objects - Begins head righting reactions

- Opens and closes fists - Grasps reflexively - Tracks objects visually

- Sucks and swallows effectively - Begins rooting reflex - Tongue thrust reflex present

4-6 months

- Rolls from tummy to back - Holds head steady when supported - Pushes up on arms in prone position

- Reaches for toys with both hands - Transfers objects between hands

- Begins to eat pureed foods - Opens mouth for spoon - Practices munching movements

7-9 months

- Sits without support - Begins crawling or pivoting - Develops trunk righting reactions

- Uses a raking grasp - Explores objects by mouthing - Begins to bang objects

- Bites and chews soft solids - Learns cup drinking with assistance - Tongue lateralization starts

10-12 months

- Pulls to stand - Cruises along furniture - May take first independent steps

- Uses pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger) - Points with index finger - Releases objects intentionally

- Feeds self with fingers - Drinks from a sippy cup - Handles small soft foods (e.g., Cheerios)

12-18 months

- Walks independently - Squats to pick up objects - Climbs onto furniture

- Stacks 2-3 blocks - Scribbles with a crayon - Turns pages in a board book

- Chews a variety of textures - Begins to use a spoon - Drinks from an open cup with assistance

18-24 months

- Runs with improved coordination - Kicks a ball - Throws a small ball overhead

- Builds a tower of 4-6 blocks - Starts using both hands together for tasks - Begins circular scribbles

- Scoops food with a spoon - Drinks from an open cup independently - Learns to manage sticky textures

2-3 years

- Jumps with both feet - Walks up and down stairs with assistance - Begins to pedal a tricycle

- Strings beads - Snips paper with scissors - Imitates simple shapes during drawing

- Uses fork with increasing accuracy - Bites through harder textures (e.g., crackers) - Begins to clean hands and mouth after meals

3-4 years

- Balances on one foot briefly - Hops on one foot - Catches a large ball with both hands

- Copies a circle and cross - Uses scissors to cut straight lines - Builds complex block structures

- Serves self at meals with supervision - Eats a wide variety of textures - Manages utensils with less spilling

4-5 years

- Gallops and skips - Hops forward on one foot - Walks backward heel-to-toe

- Writes some letters of their name - Uses a tripod grasp for writing tools - Completes simple puzzles

- Eats independently using utensils - Drinks from a straw - Begins to spread butter or jam with a knife

5-6 years

- Masters skipping - Rides a bike with training wheels - Participates in organized sports

- Ties shoes - Cuts out complex shapes - Draws a person with 6+ parts

- Cuts food with a child-safe knife - Drinks from open cups without spilling - Demonstrates refined chewing patterns

 

Always inform your child’s pediatrician if you notice developmental concerns, as early intervention is key to fostering growth and progress. Never hesitate to advocate for occupational therapy services to address motor, sensory, or feeding challenges—your child’s well-being and potential deserve the best support possible.

 

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (2019). Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. Bantam Books.

Our Approach to Primitive Reflex Integration

Understanding Sensory Processing Deficits: Prevalence and Impact

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and sensory processing deficits are more common than many realize. Research estimates that 5-16% of children in the general population experience significant sensory processing challenges that impact their daily lives. For children with developmental conditions like autism spectrum disorder or ADHD, this number rises dramatically—up to 80-90% of these children experience sensory difficulties.

The Lifelong Impact of Sensory Processing Issues

While sensory processing challenges are often identified in childhood, their effects can persist into adulthood, influencing mental health and well-being. Adults with unresolved sensory issues may experience:

• Heightened Anxiety: Difficulty filtering sensory input (like noise, light, or touch) can lead to chronic stress.
• Emotional Dysregulation: Challenges in managing emotions often stem from sensory overload.
• Social Struggles: Avoiding environments or interactions due to sensory discomfort can contribute to feelings of isolation.
• Burnout and Fatigue: Constantly managing sensory sensitivities can be mentally and physically exhausting.

A Growing Concern for Mental Health

Studies increasingly link sensory processing difficulties in adults to mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, and PTSD. These challenges often exacerbate symptoms, creating a cycle of discomfort and emotional distress.

However, the good news is that occupational therapy, sensory tools, and mindful interventions can help both children and adults develop better self-regulation and coping strategies.

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Every child deserves the tools and support to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. At Sensory Therapy Place, we offer resources and strategies tailored to the unique needs of children in school settings. Whether your child is navigating sensory processing challenges, learning difficulties, or emotional regulation concerns, we’re here to help.

How Occupational Therapy Can Help

Occupational therapists play a crucial role in supporting children with learning challenges such as dyslexia and dysgraphia. These difficulties often involve underlying sensory, motor, or cognitive integration issues that impact a child’s ability to read, write, and focus in class. Through targeted interventions, occupational therapists can:

• Enhance Handwriting Skills: Using fine motor activities to improve grip, letter formation, and motor planning.
• Boost Cognitive Processing: Integrative movement activities to improve coordination and attention.
• Support Sensory Needs: Providing strategies to regulate sensory input for better learning focus and participation.

Resources We Provide

Our resources are designed to empower educators, parents, and therapists with tools that are easy to implement in the classroom or at home. Examples include:

• Integrative Movement Activities: Simple exercises that combine movement and sensory input to enhance focus, coordination, and learning.
• Therapeutic Activities: Fun, engaging tasks like tactile play, visual-motor games, and handwriting warm-ups that promote skill-building.
• Customizable Sensory Break Ideas: Short, effective breaks to help children self-regulate and return to learning refreshed.
• Adapted Tools and Strategies: From slant boards for writing to fidget tools for focus, we can recommend solutions tailored to your child’s needs.

Why It Matters

Addressing these challenges early and effectively can have a profound impact on a child’s academic and emotional well-being. By integrating therapeutic techniques into daily routines, we help children build skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

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Let us be a partner in your child’s journey to success. Explore our resources and learn how occupational therapy can empower children with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and other learning challenges to reach their fullest potential. Together, we can create environments where every child thrives!