Gross motor and coordination challenges can appear as clumsiness, difficulty with balance, trouble skipping, hopping, catching, or planning new movements. Children may become easily frustrated in sports, avoid physical play, or have difficulty navigating playgrounds or group games.

Parents may notice their child bumping into things, tiring quickly, appearing uncoordinated, or struggling with confidence in physical activities. This may impact friendships, participation in school sport, and overall sense of capability.

Gross motor development is linked to vestibular processing, proprioception, postural control, reflex integration, bilateral coordination and motor planning. Occupational Therapy supports coordination and praxis through sensory-motor play, strengthening activities, sequencing challenges, visual-motor tasks, and experiences that build confidence and body awareness.

If your child’s coordination or confidence in movement is affecting play, sport or school participation, sensory-motor Occupational Therapy can support strength, balance and whole-body organisation.