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Finds hands-on tasks tricky: what to look for and where to get help

Clumsy, delayed with running/jumping, or struggling with pencils and cutlery.

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Understanding motor skills & coordination

Many parents worry when they notice their child is developing differently from other children the same age. These feelings are common, and help is available. Many allied health professionals in Australia work with children in this area.

Below are the services that most often help children with motor skills & coordination, and what each one does.

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Cost & funding

Fees depend on the service, the provider and the length of the session. Ask each provider for their fees before the first visit.

Medicare pays a rebate for some OT and physiotherapy sessions when your GP writes a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan and a referral first. Some private health extras policies pay part of the cost of OT and physiotherapy.

If your child has an NDIS plan that includes these supports, you can use it. If your plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you can also use providers that are not NDIS registered. If the NDIA manages your plan, you must use registered providers.

  • NDIS price limit

    $193.99 an hour

    OT, 2026–27. Physiotherapy: $183.99.

  • Medicare rebate

    $63.40 a session

    Up to 5 sessions a year in total with a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan.

Note: NDIS price limits are the national maximums for NDIA-managed and plan-managed plans (NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026–27); remote areas have higher limits. Medicare rebates are from MBS Online, 1 July 2026. Providers can charge more than the rebate. Assessment fees come from provider websites in April 2026.

Work out what you might pay: cost calculatorRead our guide to NDIS early intervention funding

Frequently asked questions

What are fine and gross motor skills?

Gross motor skills are big body movements, such as rolling, sitting, crawling and walking. Fine motor skills are small body movements, such as holding toys, using cutlery, scribbling or dressing themselves. Most children learn these skills in the same order, but not always at the same time.

What are the signs of a motor skills problem?

Signs of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) can include difficulty holding a pencil and writing, doing up buttons or shoelaces, and running and jumping. Children with DCD may bump into other people or objects and seem clumsy. DCD does not affect intelligence. If you are worried about how your child moves, see their doctor or paediatrician.

Can a young child be diagnosed with a coordination problem?

It can be hard to diagnose DCD in children under 5, because movement skills vary a lot at this age. Even if there are early signs, your doctor may not make a diagnosis of DCD until your child is 5 years old. If your child is under 5 and you're concerned about their movement, it's still a good idea to talk with your GP or child and family health nurse. You don't need a GP referral to see an occupational therapist.

Should my child see an occupational therapist or a physiotherapist?

Occupational therapy is the main treatment for DCD. Physiotherapy is also important for children with muscle tone and strength problems. For DCD, occupational therapists set goals that matter to each child, practise those goals with the child and work with families on solutions and strategies. Your child's doctor or paediatrician may refer you to an occupational therapist or a physiotherapist.

What can I do at home to help?

Play helps children practise hand skills. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne suggests playdough, threading beads, building with Lego and cutting with children's scissors. For outdoor play it suggests climbing at the playground and ball games such as throwing, catching and bouncing. If you are worried, speak with your doctor or child health nurse.

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