Occupational Therapy for Fine and Gross Motor Skills in Mississauga

Our occupational therapy services focus on helping children and teens build the strength, coordination, control, and confidence needed to participate fully in everyday activities—both in and out of the classroom.

What are fine and gross motor skills?

Motor skills are divided into two main areas:

Fine motor skills involve small, precise movements of the hands and fingers. These skills are essential for:

• handwriting and printing
• using scissors and classroom tools
• buttoning, zipping, and tying shoes
• manipulating small objects (toys, utensils, fasteners)
• drawing, colouring, and crafts

Gross motor skills involve larger movements of the body and are required for:

• balance and postural control
• coordination and motor planning
• running, jumping, climbing, and skipping
• ball skills such as throwing, catching, and kicking
• participating in sports and playground activities

Difficulties in either area can affect a child’s confidence, school participation, and willingness to try new activities.

Signs a child or teen may need motor skill support

Parents and teachers often notice motor challenges when a child:

• has messy, slow, or tiring handwriting
• avoids writing, drawing, or cutting tasks
• struggles with scissors or tool use
• appears clumsy or uncoordinated
• has difficulty catching, throwing, or kicking a ball
• loses balance easily or appears unsure during movement
• avoids playground or sports activities
• fatigues quickly during physical tasks
• has trouble learning new movement sequences

These challenges are not a reflection of effort or intelligence—many children need targeted support to strengthen these skills.

How occupational therapy helps motor skill development

Occupational therapy uses purposeful, play-based, and functional activities to build motor skills in a way that transfers to real life. Our occupational therapists work with children and teens to improve:

• hand strength, dexterity, and coordination
• pencil grasp and handwriting endurance
• bilateral coordination (using both sides of the body together)
• postural stability and core strength
• balance and body awareness
• motor planning and sequencing
• visual-motor integration (hand–eye coordination)

Therapy sessions are structured but engaging, helping children feel successful while building foundational skills.

Handwriting and school-based motor skills

Handwriting is one of the most common reasons families seek occupational therapy. OT support for handwriting may focus on:

• pencil grip and hand positioning
• letter formation, spacing, and alignment
• writing speed and endurance
• posture and seating strategies
• reducing hand fatigue and frustration

Improving handwriting can have a significant impact on academic confidence and classroom participation.

What to expect from a motor skills assessment

An occupational therapy assessment helps identify strengths, challenges, and functional impacts. The assessment may include:

• caregiver interview and developmental history
• observation of fine and gross motor tasks
• standardized or informal motor skill screening
• handwriting and tool-use assessment (if age-appropriate)
• balance, coordination, and movement observation
• goal setting with families and the child/teen

Following the assessment, we develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs.

Common goals of fine and gross motor occupational therapy

Goals are individualized, but often include helping children and teens:

• write more clearly and efficiently
• improve hand strength and coordination
• participate more confidently in sports and play
• improve balance and coordination
• increase independence with self-care tasks
• reduce frustration and avoidance of motor-based activities
• build confidence in school and social environments

Why choose Muscle & Joint Clinic for Occupational Therapy in Mississauga?

Families choose our clinic because we provide:

• individualized, child-centred therapy
• practical strategies that carry over to home and school
• a supportive and encouraging environment
• clear communication with parents and caregivers
• a focus on confidence, function, and long-term success

Book an Occupational Therapy appointment in Mississauga

If your child or teen is struggling with handwriting, coordination, balance, or motor skills, occupational therapy can help. Early support can make daily tasks easier and help children feel more confident in their abilities.

Contact Muscle & Joint Clinic to book an Occupational Therapy assessment in Mississauga and learn how fine and gross motor skill support can help your child succeed at school, at play, and in everyday life.