Pueblo, Colo. – September 25, 2026 -- Parents wondering whether their child's slow progress with crawling, jumping, or catching is cause for concern now have guidance from Kathy Schleifer, a pediatric occupational therapy expert based in Pueblo, Colorado. Her insights, featured in a HelloNation article, outline how gross and fine motor skills develop in children and when early intervention therapy can help.
Schleifer distinguishes between gross motor skills, which involve large movements like sitting, walking, and running, and fine motor skills, which cover precise actions such as buttoning a shirt or holding a pencil. Each stage of development builds on the one before it.
A baby who isn't crawling by ten months may need evaluation
According to the article, consistent delays can be a signal worth addressing. A baby not crawling by ten months, or a child who struggles with climbing, catching, or balancing, might benefit from a professional assessment. Pediatric occupational therapy in Pueblo is positioned to help families spot these patterns early.
Therapy sessions look like play but are built for growth
Schleifer's process starts with an assessment of how a child moves, plays, and handles objects, examining posture, muscle tone, and coordination. From there, therapy plans are tailored individually. Sessions might involve a toddler crawling through tunnels or climbing soft ramps to build core strength, while an older child works with clay or tweezers to sharpen fine motor control.
Motor delays can stem from muscle weakness or sensory processing differences
The causes behind motor delays vary, including muscle weakness, low tone, or sensory processing differences. Schleifer notes that identifying the specific cause early lets therapists target the right areas, helping children make measurable progress in daily tasks like feeding themselves, writing, dressing, or keeping up during recess.
Small wins like zipping a jacket build lasting confidence
Beyond physical gains, the article points to emotional benefits. Schleifer says that small successes, like catching a ball or zipping a jacket, can significantly shift how children see themselves, encouraging a more positive attitude toward learning and new challenges.
Therapy plans at Pueblo Pediatric Therapy Center evolve as children grow, with some needing only short-term support and others benefiting from ongoing sessions. Parents are involved throughout, learning techniques to reinforce progress at home. Schleifer emphasizes that consistency and patience drive results more than pressure, with each new skill building on the last.