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Commentary from American Academy of Paediatrics in relation to  gross motor milestones and language development

A child's language development in infancy and early childhood correlates closely with cognitive development and, thus, is a better predictor of cognitive function than gross motor development. The acquisition and use of language is critical to a child's development in the areas of cognitive and social development. Phonemic awareness is the ability to attend to phonemes (speech sounds) that are used in syllables and words and is a critical language skill in the development of reading.

The delay in achieving gross motor milestones has the weakest correlation with general intellectual functioning and, therefore, is not a strong predictor of school success. Mildly delayed gross motor skills and a nonfocal neurologic examination do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Handwriting skills are affected by weakness in fine (not gross) motor development.

 

American Board of Pediatrics Content Specification(s):

•  Understand that language development in infancy and early childhood is a better predictor of cognitive function than motor development

 

The information published here has been reviewed by Flourish Paediatrics and represents the available published literature at the time of review.
The information is not intended to take the place of medical advice.
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Last updated: 26/09/2013