Gross Motor Skill Development

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My daughter will be 2 by next week. I have some concerns about her gross motor skills development. She started to walk at 15 and half months old, she walks pretty well now. But she is not running and jumping yet. Actually, she does not like move a lot. I have been trying to encourage her to move, but she does not want to. She can climb up dinning chairs and get down by herself. She can kick a ball and could not catch it. She can walk backwards. She can walk really fast,but not run. She can climb up stairs with support. When she walks, her arms and legs are not coordinated very well. She tried to jump, but only can lift her little heels. She does not balance very well, she can easily fall down backwards. Otherwise, she is very intelligent, and her language skills are excellent. She eats and sleeps very well. She is not fussy at all. I just wonder if she got mild cerebral palsy which could affect her balance and coordination.

Thanks,

Janna

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

On the basis of your note, I don't perceive cause for alarm. While your daughter's gross motor development does appear to be a bit behind the norm, it does not seem alarningly so. What guidance are you receiving from herpediatrician? It might be prudent to consult both a pediatric orthopedist and a pediatric physical therapist. Based on their opinions, you can determine if any other specialist (e.g., pediatric neurologist) should be consulted.