Clinical Conversations – Gross Motor Skills in Paediatric Practice: Assessment, Reasoning and Real-World Intervention

This session explored the realities of assessing and supporting gross motor development in modern paediatric caseloads where pure motor referrals are increasingly rare and motor differences often sit alongside regulatory, sensory, and behavioural complexity.

In this group mentoring session, Claire and Alyce:

• Discussed commonly used assessment tools (BOT-2/3, Movement ABC-3, Peabody) and their practical strengths, limitations, and cost considerations
• Explored the clinical reasoning behind top-down (task-based) and bottom-up (component-based) intervention approaches, and when to use each
• Unpacked how to approach gross motor presentations in children with complex profiles, including when to collaborate with physiotherapy
• Reflected on DCD recognition, diagnosis, and the funding and documentation realities clinicians face
• Shared practical community referral options and functional strategies families can actually access and sustain

This session blends honest clinical discussion, practical reasoning, and real-world examples, giving you genuine insight into how two experienced clinicians navigate the complexity of gross motor practice today.