Understanding Developmental Delay and Supporting Your Child’s Movement

Daniel Smit | APA Titled Paediatric Physiotherapist
Little Strides Physiotherapy | Strides Health Group

If your child is taking longer to learn movement skills, it can be difficult to know whether to wait or seek advice. Children develop at different rates, but concerns about movement or everyday participation are worth discussing with a health professional.

This guide explains what developmental delay means, how paediatric physiotherapy may help and what families can expect from an assessment. The aim is to understand your child’s needs and support meaningful progress, with goals that matter to your family.

What developmental delay means

Developmental delay describes skills developing more slowly than expected. It can affect movement, communication, learning, social interaction or everyday activities. A delay in movement does not automatically mean that other areas are affected, and the term does not by itself explain the cause. [1]

Gross motor skills involve whole-body movement, including rolling, sitting, moving between positions, standing, walking, running and jumping. Physiotherapy focuses on these skills and how a child uses them in daily life.

Some children need support across several areas. Your GP or paediatrician can consider your child’s overall development and whether further assessment is needed. Occupational therapists and speech pathologists may also contribute, depending on your child’s needs. [2]

When to seek advice

Speak with your maternal and child health nurse, GP or paediatric physiotherapist if you are concerned about progress. You do not need to wait until a difficulty becomes severe to ask questions. Examples of concerns include:

• Taking longer than expected to develop sitting, standing or walking skills.
• Consistently using one side of the body much more than the other.
• Difficulty changing positions, managing steps or joining in age-appropriate play.
• Frequent falls that interfere with activities or seem unusual for the child’s stage of development.

Milestones are a guide rather than a diagnosis. An assessment considers the pattern of development, the child’s opportunities to practise and their medical history. For children born prematurely, corrected age may be relevant when interpreting early milestones.

Loss of skills needs medical review

Losing a skill that your child previously used consistently is different from taking longer to learn a new skill. Arrange prompt medical review if your child loses movement, communication or other established skills. Seek urgent medical care for sudden weakness, a sudden inability to walk or a change accompanied by serious illness. [3, 4]

What happens at a physiotherapy assessment

The appointment starts with your concerns, your child’s history and the activities that are important to your family. This may include information about pregnancy and birth, health conditions, previous assessments and progress over time.

Through play and observation, the physiotherapist considers how your child moves, changes position, balances and explores. Depending on their age and presentation, the assessment may include strength, joint movement, posture, muscle tone and a standardised developmental measure.

You can bring your child’s health record, relevant reports and short videos showing movements that are difficult to observe in the clinic. There is no need to practise or coach your child for the assessment.

How physiotherapy may help

A plan is built around your child’s current abilities and practical goals. For one child, a goal might be moving into sitting to play; for another, it might be stepping up at kinder or joining a playground game.

Activities may involve practising a movement in smaller steps, developing strength and balance, or adjusting the task or environment so the child can participate. Where appropriate, equipment or positioning support may help. Active practice and opportunities to use skills in everyday routines are important principles of care. [5]

Muscle tone and strength are different. Some children have lower or higher muscle tone, which needs to be understood in the context of their overall presentation. Physiotherapy can support movement and function; exercise does not necessarily change the underlying muscle tone.

A child’s preferences, comfort and responses to their surroundings are considered when planning activities. If sensory responses make play or daily routines difficult, an occupational therapist may help assess these concerns and plan support with your child’s wider team.

 Supporting movement at home

Home activities should be realistic and enjoyable. Rather than adding a demanding exercise routine, your physiotherapist can help you find opportunities within play and daily life. For example, reaching for a favourite toy or practising a step may support an agreed goal when the task is appropriate for your child.

• Follow your child’s interests and allow time to try movements for themselves.
• Use short, manageable opportunities to practise and adapt them if your child becomes tired or distressed.
• Share what is working, what is difficult and what fits your family’s routine.
• Ask for advice before introducing exercises or equipment if your child has pain, unusual stiffness or other medical concerns.

Progress may include easier participation, greater confidence or needing less assistance, as well as learning new skills. Reviewing goals helps keep support relevant as your child’s needs change.

Working with your child’s wider team

Developmental support may involve your GP, paediatrician, therapists, maternal and child health nurse and educators. With your consent, communication between these professionals can help coordinate goals and reduce conflicting advice. Medical assessment and therapy have complementary roles.

The type and amount of support depend on the child and the reasons for their difficulties. Your treating professionals can discuss what progress might look like and review the plan over time.

Support through Little Strides

Little Strides Physiotherapy provides paediatric physiotherapy at Strides Health Group in Narre Warren. Daniel Smit is an APA Titled Paediatric Physiotherapist who works with children and families to understand movement concerns and develop practical, individualised plans.

If you would like advice about your child’s movement or gross motor development, contact the clinic or book a paediatric physiotherapy appointment. For concerns about development across several areas, speak with your GP or maternal and child health nurse as well.

This resource provides general information and does not replace individual assessment or medical advice.

Free Resource: Child Movement Development Guide

A helpful guide for parents and carers to better understand their child’s movement development, recognise potential concerns and know when to seek professional advice.

Download the Child Movement Development Guide (PDF)

References and further reading

Related resources and physiotherapy support

Explore Little Strides physiotherapy in Narre Warren. Selected appointments are available in Nunawading. View appointment and booking information or ask us about your needs.

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