In this question, you are expected to assess gross motor skills in a child who might be regressing. It is therefore important that the tasks you give Joseph will enable you come to a conclusion.

Remember that Gross motor skills mature in a cephalo-caudal manner. If Joseph is no longer able to stand do not assess his walking.

Sometimes, regression can be very subtle. You will therefore have to assess the complexity of movements that are executed. For example, you do not expect a 4 year old to be walking with a wide or broad based gait. 

Assess Joseph's ability to  sit, stand, walk, run, throw, jump, stand on one leg, climb and many others. It is important to start at a level expected for his age and then move to more complex or less complex tasks.

Be observant! Is there a wheelchair or walking aid in the room? Is Joseph wearing special shoes or requiring some support to sit? Comment on these and use them  to guide your assessment.

There might be  disorganisation or lack of precision in what Joseph is doing which may indicate regression.

Gross motor skills in a child aged between 2 and 5 years

The toddler/preschool child is very active usually exploring their environment. To do this, they develop and mature their gross motor skills in response to various environmental stimuli or challenges. Asses their ability to stand (stand on one leg, stand on tip toes),  walk (wide based gait, feet slightly apart, walking around corners),  run (with confidence, ability to avoid danger), jump (feet off the floor, one leg off the floor), hops, stairs (walking up and down stairs), climbing, using a tricycle or bicycle.


Gross motor skills from 2-5years of age

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