Gross Motor Delay

[Dollymarie]

I have an 11 month old grandson diagnosed with gross motor delay.  He just got glasses for muscle problems and farsightedness. His legs and arms are very strong, but upper body is like rubber or not near as stong as his legs and arms. He stiffens his arms and keeps his hands in a fist even though he can open them just fine when he relaxes. He does this when he stands or strains in any way. He also stiffens his legs and one of his feet will turn at the instep slightly. The glasses have really helped. It is obvious he can see better and he is starting to reach for toys. By the way he can sure take those glasses off when no one is watching.  He obviously can hear just fine. Right now Nick is going to therapy for 2 hours a week and I'm afraid that is not enough. Today the therapist suggested we get a referral to a neurologist. Nick was 6 weeks premature and was in the hospital 3 weeks.  His mother's water broke at 7 weeks, she was in the hospital one week and then they induced. He was delivered by emergency C Section because his heart beat starting going up and down. We knew there was a possibility of oxygen deprival at birth.

It is very obvious that he really wants to get around. He doesn't want to be on his back very much. He wants to be sitting up or standing up. He has started rolling over from his back to his stomach and that is a great improvement. He still cannot sit up without support and his neck gets very tired.  He can sit up if his hands are placed on each side of his legs, but he will eventually fall over. As I said his upper body seems very weak. His legs will support him and he will take steps as long as someone supports his upper body.

I just want to know what to expect. He has been going to therapy for several months, but I don't think 2 hours a week is enough. Should he be seeing some sort of specialist and if so what kind? If there is something else wrong I sure want to get him the help he needs sooner rather than later. Any suggestions you can give will be so appreciated.  My daughter is to terrified to ask anything because she is terrified of the answers she might get. I just wnat to help her deal with this and also make sure Nick gets the medical attention he needs.
Thanks
Gaye Johnson

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Yes, it makes perfect sense for your grandson to see a pediatric neurologist. It is understandable that a parent, fearing bad news, might avoid additional evaluation. But it is important that the child's needs be placed at the top of the list. This invites the most thorough evaluation of his condition, so that proper interventions can occur. This is not to criticize what is occurring now - it may be all that can be provided. But it does sound like additional workups are sensible.