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Motor Planning & Development

Supporting coordination, balance, and the ability to plan and execute new movements with confidence.

Quick answer for parents

Is motor planning & development a possible fit?

Who it may help: Children ages 0–8 who have difficulty learning new movements, coordinating both sides of the body, balancing, or completing movement sequences.
What to expect: Engaging, graded movement activities that address the child's functional goals and give opportunities to plan, adapt, and practice.
Limits: Coordination concerns can have different causes. Occupational therapy does not replace medical assessment when symptoms are new, severe, painful, or otherwise concerning.
Local availability: Services are based in Salt Lake City and support families across Salt Lake, Summit, and Utah counties.

Next step: Book a free consultation to discuss your child's needs and confirm service and location fit. This educational page does not replace an individualized evaluation.

Building Physical Competence

Motor planning, or praxis, is the neurological process by which we conceptualize, organize, and direct unfamiliar actions. It is a fundamental skill necessary for nearly every childhood activity, from learning to dress and use utensils to navigating complex playground structures.

We support families throughout Salt Lake, Summit, and Utah counties by providing targeted interventions that help children develop the foundational physical skills required for successful movement. This includes building core strength, enhancing bilateral coordination, and improving dynamic balance.

Navigating Novel Challenges

Children with motor planning difficulties often appear clumsy or may actively avoid learning new physical skills because the process of organizing their bodies feels overwhelmingly difficult. Our therapy sessions focus on breaking down these complex movement sequences into manageable, achievable steps.

Through engaging, structured activities, we provide just the right amount of sensory and cognitive challenge. We utilize specialized clinical equipment designed to prompt novel physical responses, encouraging the child to adapt their movements and experience the success of independent problem-solving.

Confidence in Daily Life

The ultimate aim of motor planning development is to foster physical confidence that carries over into the child's natural environments. When a child learns how to successfully plan and execute movements in the clinic, they become more willing to participate in classroom activities, sports, and social play.

We collaborate with families and educators to identify the specific motor demands of a child's routine. By adapting tasks and providing strategic physical supports, we help the child actively engage with their peers and effectively navigate the physical world around them.

Benefits of Motor Planning & Development

Improved gross and fine motor skills
Enhanced ability to learn and perform new tasks
Increased participation in sports and physical activities
Better organization and sequencing of daily routines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are signs of motor planning difficulties?

Children may appear clumsy, have trouble learning new physical skills, struggle with multi-step tasks like dressing, or prefer talking about activities rather than participating in them.

How do you help improve motor planning?

We use a combination of sensory integration techniques and targeted challenges that require the child to adapt their movements, starting with simple tasks and gradually increasing the complexity.

References and further reading

These independent resources provide general background. They do not establish that a particular service is appropriate for an individual child.

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