12 Aug What is Motor Planning and How Do Occupational Therapists Support Children With Motor Planning Difficulties?
Motor planning, also known as praxis, is the ability to conceive, plan, and carry out a new or unfamiliar motor task. It’s how we organise and sequence our body movements to achieve a goal — whether it’s climbing a set of stairs, brushing our teeth, or catching a ball. For children, motor planning is essential not just for physical development, but for independence, participation, and confidence in everyday activities.
Children with motor planning difficulties may struggle with learning new movements or performing multi-step tasks. These challenges aren’t due to muscle weakness or a lack of motivation, but rather a disconnect between the brain’s intention and the body’s ability to follow through. These children may appear clumsy, avoid physical play, or take longer to learn basic self-care skills. You might notice they have difficulty getting dressed, using cutlery, or organising their body in space during play or sport.
As paediatric occupational therapists, our role is to assess and support children with motor planning challenges by using a strengths-based, child-centred approach. We start by identifying the specific areas where the child is experiencing difficulty — whether it’s sequencing movements, body awareness, or coordinating both sides of the body.
We use a variety of therapy strategies to help develop the child’s motor planning abilities. This can include:
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Play-based activities that encourage body awareness, timing, and coordination, such as obstacle courses, climbing, or movement games.
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Task analysis and breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps to help the child learn each component more easily.
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Visual supports, modelling, and prompting to guide the child through unfamiliar tasks.
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Repetition and practice in a supportive environment to build confidence and competence.
Occupational therapy also works closely with families, educators, and other professionals to create consistent strategies across the child’s daily environments. This might include recommending classroom modifications, using visuals or sensory supports, and incorporating movement-based learning in school routines.
With the right support, children with motor planning difficulties can develop the skills they need to participate fully in their daily lives. As occupational therapists, we’re here to help them unlock their potential and build the confidence to take on the world — one movement at a time.
If you’re concerned about your child’s motor planning skills, take the next step and contact us! Early support can make a world of difference.