Impaired motor skill (clumsiness) in otherwise normal children: a review

Some children, who are otherwise normal, experience unusual difficulties with the acquisition and performance of motor skills. These children are commonly described as being clumsy. Impaired performance of motor skills, to the degree experienced by clumsy children, is unlikely to present a serious problem. However, a review of the literature suggests that significant associated and secondary emotional problems are common. In particular, such problems are likely to result in children not achieving their full potential. Therefore, it is important that the cause of affected children's impaired motor skills be recognized early so that these problems can be avoided, or at least minimized, by a sympathetic understanding of their difficulties. The problem is that, whilst severely affected children can be readily recognized, identification of mildly and moderately clumsy children is difficult.