Fine Motor Skills Difficulties

What are fine motor skills?

Fine motor skills refer to the precise movements of the hands and wrists, especially the small, controlled actions of the fingers and thumbs. These skills are essential for dexterity and accuracy in our movements, and crucial for development of independence. Children rely on fine motor skills every day for a wide range of activities, including play, self-care, learning, and tasks throughout the school day. 

Signs of difficulties with fine motor skills

Some children may have difficulties with activities that rely on fine motor skills such as handwriting, eating and self care. Signs may include:

  • Avoidance or lack of interest in activities that require fine motor skills, with a preference for physical activities, possibly as a way to avoid seated or tabletop tasks

  • Demonstrates little interest in using pencils or scissors

  • Tends to direct others during play (e.g., requesting someone else draw an object rather than attempting it independently)

  • Avoids persistence when faced with challenges, often seeking adult help without attempting problem-solving first

  • Relies on parents for self-care tasks such as doing up zips, dressing or brushing teeth instead of attempting them independently

How we can help

At The Family Treatment Service our highly experienced Occupational Therapists provide assessments and tailored intervention plans for children and young adults with fine motor skills difficulties . You can find out more about this service and how to book an initial consultation here.

How to See Us

  • Modern two-story building with vertical wooden paneling, large windows, and a small illuminated sign above the door. The surrounding area includes a courtyard with plants and a tree in the background under a clear sky.

    Get In Touch

    Fill in our registration form to give us an understanding of how we can help. Alternatively book in a free 15 minute call with a clinician who can go through the questions with you.

  • Reception area with a wooden desk, a person at a computer, wall shelves with books, a plant, a wall lamp, and a view of a hallway.

    Personalised Advice

    We provide tailored recommendations designed to provide effective results, with clear expected timescales and costs. 

  • Close-up of an "In-Session" sign on a wall.

    Begin Your Treatment

    Start your care with expert led and evidence-based treatment. 

Get in Touch

  • "My husband and I found the sessions exceptional. Our family dynamics improved significantly, and we learned valuable tools to navigate challenges together as a family. We feel extremely lucky to be able to get help from The Family Treatment Service."

    - The Family Treatment Service Client -

  • "I found the sessions extremely valuable. Luca was kind, sympathetic, professional, thorough and extremely helpful. I am incredibly grateful for being given the opportunity to have the sessions. Thank you very much."

    - The Family Treatment Service Client -

  • I just wanted to personally express gratitude for your help with my son...he sleeps better, his mood is better, he is happier and presents with more energy and his characteristic zest for life. This would not have been possible without your help and support.

    - The Family Treatment Service Client -

  • "The sessions were instrumental in helping to support my daughter with high anxiety and anorexia. The sessions have been a significant support and benefit, both for child and parent and I would highly recommend the Family Treatment Service."

    - The Eating Disorder Service Client -

  • "Zara has been unfailingly helpful, sympathetic and supportive. We couldn’t cope without her. Thank you."

    - The Family Treatment Service Client -

  • “The Family Treatment Service was exactly what we needed for our 13 year old daughter at a time when we were unsure of how to approach an unprecedented and scary situation. We were out of our depth and their calm, kind and expert advice and always friendly service made a challenging year easier for us all. We felt supported throughout. Thank you.”

    - The Family Treatment Service Client -

  • " I wanted to thank you too from the bottom of my heart for everything you did to help our daughter...she is absolutely flying at the moment. It is a joy to watch her... you'll never know how much we appreciate what you and the service did. The warm welcomes each week from the front desk were also much appreciated."

    - The Family Treatment Service Client -

Our Wimbledon Clinics

Modern building with vertical wooden slats, windows, and a green sign above a walkway. A person is walking by and trees are visible in the background.
Modern exterior wall with vertical wood paneling, a window with visible plant inside, and a row of shrubs outside.
A modern building with vertical wood paneling, large windows, and a small garden in front. The background shows an older brick building with chimneys and a sloped roof.
Modern building exterior with wood paneling, large windows, and a green sign, set against a backdrop of trees and a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Modern indoor architectural design with skylight, glass panels, and an air conditioning unit.
Interior of a modern building, featuring a wooden staircase with green accents, light wooden floors, a skylight, and a seating area with brown cushions. The walls are painted in a combination of white and green, adorned with framed art. Natural light
Modern living room with brown chairs, beige sofa, wooden coffee table, and large window with plants.
Modern living room interior with green sofa, beige armchair, skylight, and framed botanical art on walls.
Cozy interior room with a pink sofa, beige armchairs, a yellow cabinet, and wall decor. The room features a modern lamp, decorative plants, toys, and colorful geometric patterns on a rug.
Minimalist living room with three wooden armchairs around a round white coffee table on a striped rug. A window with sheer blinds displays views of an urban setting. A vase with flowers sits on the windowsill, and there is an air conditioner on the w
Modern living room corner with beige sofa, patterned cushions, two framed artworks, small black side table, green plants in a white vase, and a round wall clock.
A partially open door reveals a small room with minimalist decor, featuring a chair and a small black side table. The room has wooden flooring and a window with greenery visible outside.
Cozy corner with two beige armchairs, abstract patterned pillows, small black table, and modern artworks on wall.
Minimalist office desk setup with computer, chair, lamp, and potted plant in small room.
Cozy living room with a modern design, featuring a sofa with patterned pillows, two armchairs with cushions, and green accent walls. There are large windows with beige Roman shades, plants, a small side table with a tissue box and soap dispenser, and
Modern home office with a desk, chair, computer, and a reading chair. A lamp, potted plant, and artwork are visible. Room features light-colored walls and wood flooring.
Modern living room with blue and white walls, featuring two cushioned chairs with wooden arms, a small round side table with a potted plant, and abstract wall art. A wooden table with decor items is beside a window.
Cozy living room with a beige sofa, colorful pillows, and a wooden chair. A potted plant sits on a side table near a window with beige blinds. The walls are half painted in green, and a minimalist face line art hangs on the wall. A brown leather offi
Reception area with a wooden desk, computer, and a woman working. The space has light wood flooring, wall-mounted shelves with books and a plant, overhead calendar displaying 'London FEB 25,' and a long hallway leading to a bright area.

The Family Treatment Service is proud to be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), demonstrating its commitment to providing safe, effective, accountable, and high-quality care.