Fine Motor Delays in Children

Is Your Child Struggling with Scissors, Zippers, or Shoelaces? What These Fine Motor Delays Could Mean

As children return to school, they face a variety of tasks that demand independence cutting with scissors, fastening zippers, tying shoelaces, and managing their school supplies. These seemingly simple activities require a complex interplay of fine motor coordination, bilateral hand use, visual-motor integration, and executive functioning.

When a child consistently struggles with these tasks, it may indicate a delay in fine motor development, which can affect not only their academic performance but also their confidence and social participation. These delays are often subtle and easily overlooked, especially in busy classroom environments.

As an occupational therapist, I assess these challenges through a developmental lens. We look beyond the task itself to understand the underlying sensory, neuromuscular, and cognitive components. Early identification and intervention can make a profound difference helping children build the foundational skills they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Why Your Child Can’t Sit Still or Focus in Class: When to Consider Occupational Therapy

In today’s fast-paced, stimulus-rich learning environments, many children struggle with attention, regulation, and sensory processing. If your child frequently fidgets, avoids seated tasks, or has difficulty following instructions, these behaviors may be signs of sensory modulation difficulties, executive function challenges, or self-regulation deficits.

Occupational therapy offers a holistic approach to understanding and supporting these behaviors. We assess how a child processes sensory input such as noise, movement, or tactile sensations and how this affects their ability to focus, transition between tasks, and engage socially.

Through individualized therapy plans, we help children develop strategies to improve attention, emotional regulation, and classroom participation. This may include sensory diets, environmental adaptations, and skill-building activities that promote resilience and independence.

If your child’s teacher has raised concerns, or if you’ve noticed these patterns at home, an occupational therapy evaluation can provide clarity and direction. The goal is not just to manage behavior, but to empower your child with the tools they need to succeed.

Authored by Dr. Dongwook Lee, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, OTR/L (USA)