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Author: Tayla Gabin, Paediatric Occupational Therapist
4 min read

When most people think of fine motor skills, pencil grasp is often the first thing that comes to mind. But these skills go far beyond writing. They are essential for everyday independence—whether it’s getting dressed, feeding oneself, or managing school supplies.

As paediatric occupational therapists, we understand that these small but mighty movements are the foundation for a child’s confidence, capability, and connection to their world.

Why Fine Motor Skills Matter

Fine motor skills involve the coordination of small muscles in the hands and fingers. These muscles support tasks such as:

• Zipping up a jacket
• Tying shoelaces
• Using cutlery
• Opening containers
• Buttoning shirts

When a child finds these tasks difficult, it can impact their confidence and willingness to try new things. That’s why supporting fine motor development early—and consistently—can make a lasting difference.

Beyond the Classroom

While handwriting often gets the spotlight, fine motor skills are crucial for many other areas of life. Let’s take a closer look.

Dressing Skills

Zips, buttons, and laces all demand finger strength, dexterity, and coordination. They also require bilateral coordination—the ability to use both hands together, such as holding fabric with one hand while zipping with the other.

Mealtime Independence

Opening a lunchbox, using a fork or spoon, or pouring from a jug all rely on precise hand movements. These activities build graded control—adjusting the pressure and speed of movement to match the task.

Play and Everyday Tools

From using scissors to building with Lego or turning pages in a book, many play experiences develop fine motor skills naturally. Play is one of the most powerful ways children practise and improve their skills without pressure.

Easy Ways to Support Fine Motor Skills at Home

The great news? You don’t need special equipment. Everyday play is full of opportunities to support fine motor skills in fun and engaging ways.

1. Kitchen Play

Invite your child to help with cooking. Stirring, pouring, cutting with cookie cutters, or using tongs helps build coordination and strength.

2. Dressing-Up Games

Costumes with zips, buttons, or ties make dressing fun. Dolls or toys with clothes to fasten are also excellent for practising these skills.

3. Crafty Hands

Playdough, bead threading, cutting, gluing, or using tweezers all build hand muscles. These activities are easy to adapt to your child’s interests and skill level.

4. Sensory Treasure Hunts

Hide small toys in playdough or a rice tub and encourage your child to dig them out using fingers or tweezers. It combines sensory exploration with motor development.

5. Mealtime Helpers

Get your child involved in snack prep—peeling mandarins, spreading butter, or pouring drinks are great for building control and confidence.

6. Lace and Thread Toys

Lacing cards, threading pasta, or using sewing boards improve fine motor control and encourage the use of both hands together.

Watch for Frustration

Some tasks will feel tricky, especially at first. It’s important to create a space where your child feels safe to try, make mistakes, and grow at their own pace.

Celebrate effort over perfection. If your child often avoids fine motor tasks or becomes easily frustrated, consider reaching out to a paediatric occupational therapist. Small adjustments in your approach can lead to big gains in confidence and skill.

Final Thoughts

Fine motor skills are about more than pencil grasp—they empower children to engage with daily life independently and joyfully. Through playful routines and consistent encouragement, these skills can develop in natural, meaningful ways.

Let’s keep the focus on connection, confidence, and capability—not just performance.

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If you feel like your child is struggling with fine motor skills, talk to an occupational therapist for further guidance. Contact MoveAbout today. Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for more education regarding sensory processing and regulation.

Author: Sophie Robertson, Paediatric Occupational Therapist & Clinical Manager
5 min read

Sleep is vital for growing minds and bodies. However, for neurodivergent children, quality sleep can sometimes be elusive. By adopting a relationship-based, neuroaffirming approach, occupational therapists (OTs) and families can work together to address sleep challenges in a supportive and respectful way.

Why Sleep Matters

Sleep plays a vital role in development. It helps the brain process emotions, build memories, and recharge for the day ahead. For children, adequate rest is key to attention, self-regulation, and learning. Without it, even the most resilient child may struggle to navigate daily life.

Neurodivergent children, such as those with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing differences, are more likely to experience sleep disruptions. These may stem from sensory sensitivities, differences in melatonin regulation, or heightened anxiety.

Recognising Sleep Challenges

Every child experiences sleep differently, but some common sleep challenges among neurodivergent children include:

• Hyperarousal: A heightened state of awareness that makes it difficult to “switch off.”
• Routine Disruptions: Unexpected changes in bedtime or surroundings can be especially unsettling for children who thrive on predictability.
• Sensory Processing Needs: Sensitivities to temperature, textures, or sounds may prevent restful sleep.
• Sleep Anxiety: Fears of the dark or being alone may feel especially intense.

These disruptions can lead to sleepless nights for the entire family. By understanding a child’s unique needs, caregivers and therapists can work together to create better sleep experiences.

What is Sleep Hygiene?

Sleep hygiene refers to the habits, routines, and environment that promote quality sleep. For neurodivergent children, sleep hygiene involves tailoring these factors to suit their individual differences while encouraging relaxation.

It’s important to view sleep struggles not as “bad behaviour” but as unmet needs. Meeting these needs with empathy and a relational approach can make all the difference.

Supporting Families in Sleep Hygiene

Here are practical strategies that OTs and families can explore to improve sleep habits:

1. Create a Calm Sleep Environment

• Keep the bedroom dark and quiet, or introduce white noise or calming music if it helps.
• Use bedding and pyjamas that suit the child’s sensory preferences, such as soft textures, Lycra sheets, or weighted blankets.

2. Support Regulation Before Bedtime

• Balance high-energy and calming activities in the evening. For example, encourage therapeutic wrestling or trampoline jumping before transitioning to quieter activities like reading or gentle rocking.
• Reduce screen time at least an hour before bedtime to minimise overstimulation.

3. Develop a Predictable Routine

• Use visual schedules or timers to indicate what’s coming next.
• Include the child in creating their bedtime routine to honour their preferences and foster a sense of control.

4. Address Sensory Needs

• Check the environment for sensory triggers like room temperature or distracting sounds.
• Try blackout curtains, aromatherapy, or noise machines to create a soothing atmosphere.

5. Support Emotional Connection

• Spend time connecting with the child before bed through gentle conversations or snuggles to help them feel secure.
• Validate any fears they express, offering reassurance without dismissing their feelings.

6. Pace Changes Gradually

• Introduce new habits one step at a time to avoid overwhelming the child.
• Stay flexible, adapting strategies as needed and allowing room for missteps.

Building on Strengths

A relationship-based approach honours each child’s unique strengths and differences. Instead of focusing on “fixing” behaviours, the goal is to co-regulate with the child, build their self-awareness, and empower them in their sleep routines.

For families, the road to better sleep may feel overwhelming, but they don’t have to navigate it alone. By working with a paediatric OT, families can create personalised, achievable plans tailored to their child’s needs.

Final Thoughts

Sleep challenges in neurodivergent children are common, but they are not insurmountable. Using a relationship-based, trauma-sensitive approach, OTs can help families create a nurturing pathway toward restful nights.

Together, we can embrace the unique journey toward better sleep, one peaceful night at a time.

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If you feel like your child is struggling with sleep, talk to an occupational therapist for further guidance. Contact MoveAbout today. Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for more education regarding sensory processing and regulation.