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OT Norms

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As parents we are always wondering if our children are developing at the level expected for their age.  Many of us compare our kids to each other and to other children at the playground just to make sure.  While this list is by no means exhaustive, here is a brief overview of the motor development expected for young children.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s development in any of these areas, please let us know so that we may evaluate further and provide you with the answers you are seeking.

Birth-6 months

  • Rolls over
  • Sits by him/herself at 5 months
  • Can lift arms and legs while laying on back/tummy
  • Reaches for and holds a toy
  • Looks at toy or face a few feet away
  • Develops trust with parent

Ages 6-12 months

  • Starts crawling (*all children need to crawl before walking)
  • Pulls up to sitting by 8 months
  • Moves from tummy to sitting
  • Drops toys into adult’s hand
  • Claps hands and bangs toys together
  • Gives a block from one hand to the other
  • Points with finger
  • Eats from a spoon
  • Sucks on soft foods

12-18 months

  • Starts walking
  • Starts throwing a ball
  • Picks up toy from the ground while standing
  • Stirs spoon in a cup
  • Takes off socks
  • Picks up Cheerio with 2 fingers and brings to mouth
  • Scribbles with coloring utensil
  • Stacks 2-3 blocks

18-24 months

  • Jumps with 2 feet
  • Climbs stairs
  • Kicks a ball
  • Hands are able to do different things at the same time (one hand holds the tower, while the
    other hand stacks a block)
  • Plays next to another child
  • Matches simples shapes (triangle, circle, and square)
  • Uses spoon to feed self

2-3 years

  • Starts running
  • Walks up and down steps using railing
  • Throws ball overhand and underhand
  • Catches a ball
  • Snips with scissors
  • Stacks 8 cubes
  • Strings blocks
  • Draws simple shapes- lines and circles
  • Can use a fork to eat meals
  • Peels fruit

3-4 years

  • Runs with arms swinging
  • Rides a tricycle
  • Balances on one leg and learns to skip
  • Uses scissors to cut on a line
  • Uses 3-4 fingers to hold marker
  • Toilet trained

4-5 years

  • Runs and stops without falling
  • Is able to gallop
  • Hops on 1 leg
  • Can fasten simple buttons
  • Cuts out circle and square
  • Creates a simple art project
  • Holds marker with 3 fingers (tripod grasp)
  • Cuts food with a knife

5-6 years

  • Bounces and catches a ball
  • Completes sit-ups and push-ups
  • Has picked a dominant hand
  • Cuts variety of shapes
  • Colors between lines
  • Folds paper in half
  • Writes first name
  • Uses 3 fingers to hold and manipulate pencil
  • Completes 12 and 24-piece puzzles
  • Can prepare own snack
  • Uses pretend during play
  • Cooperates in games with rules

6-9 years

  • Negotiates rules
  • Can use tools
  • Participates in sports (swimming, soccer, etc.)
  • Trial-and-error learning
  • Values peers more than adults
  • Completes self-care tasks by themselves
  • Starts simple chores

10+ years

  • Completes house chores
  • Starts managing money- saving, shopping
  • Develops work/job skills
  • Can help take care of another child