Gross Motor Skills OT for Children in Adelaide
Building strength and coordination for active adventures
Gross motor skills are the foundation for many of the movements kids need to explore their world – running, jumping, climbing, hopping, ball skills, and more. When these skills are delayed or difficult, it can affect their confidence, play, and ability to participate in group activities. Our occupational therapy supports your child to build strength, balance, and coordination, helping them move more confidently and enjoy the activities they love.
Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), sometimes referred to as dyspraxia, often benefit significantly from occupational therapy. Our OTs support children with motor coordination difficulties whether or not a formal diagnosis has been made
Key challenges we can help with
Helping kids overcome gross motor challenges
Struggling with balance and coordination
Supporting activities like standing on one foot, hopping, or climbing safely.
Gross motor development is closely linked to proprioception — a child’s awareness of where their body is in space. Children who seek out heavy work, crash into things, or seem unaware of their own strength may have proprioceptive differences that our OTs can assess and support
Delays in developing early motor skills
Helping kids who find it hard to crawl, walk, or jump build confidence with these skills.
Avoiding physical activities
Encouraging participation in play and activities by improving confidence and enjoyment.
Difficulty with strength-based tasks
Building muscle tone and endurance for actions like running, throwing, or kicking a ball.
Core strength is the foundation for many everyday tasks — sitting upright at a desk, participating in PE, and managing the physical demands of the school day. Our OTs assess and support core strength as part of gross motor therapy
How SPOT Can help your child
Working towards confident and capable movement
Improved strength and balance
Helping your child build the physical foundations they need for climbing, jumping, and other activities.
Increased participation in play and sports
Supporting your child to join in group games and feel included during physical activities.
Confidence in everyday movement
Helping your child move with ease and enjoy exploring their environment.
Practical strategies for families
Providing guidance and activities you can use at home to support your child’s motor development.
Our gross motor support focuses on developmental coordination, balance, motor planning and strength for everyday activities. For children with physical disabilities or conditions requiring physiotherapy-led intervention, we are happy to discuss whether OT or a referral to a physiotherapist is the right fit for your child
Addressing your questions and concerns
“Will therapy really help?”
We provide regular progress updates and adapt our approach as needed to ensure therapy is effective and meaningful for your child.
Our occupational therapists are registered with AHPRA, members of OT Australia, and support gross motor development as a core area of paediatric OT practice.
“What if my child gets frustrated?”
Sessions are paced according to each child’s comfort, and we never push when a child is struggling. We adjust activities based on their energy, focus, and interest to make sessions enjoyable.
“How will I know what’s happening in therapy?”
We keep parents informed every step of the way, offering insights into each session and strategies for home practice.
Gross Motor Skills for children in Adelaide. Our clinic in Hove, SA is accessible from Brighton, Glenelg, Somerton Park, and Marion.
Do you have more questions? Check out our FAQ page, or contact our friendly team to discuss your concerns.
Tailored therapy for your child’s development needs
Personalised assessment
The first step is understanding your child’s specific strengths and challenges through conversations, observations, and assessments. This helps us put together an individualised plan just for them.
Interest driven, tailored sessions
Our sessions are designed around your child’s strengths and interests, making therapy engaging and comfortable. We aim to foster a relaxed environment where children feel free to explore and grow.
Parent involvement and home support
We value the role that parents and caregivers play in their child’s journey. You’ll have the option to participate in sessions and receive home practice strategies to reinforce your child’s progress between appointments.