Chapter 12 blog 

This chapter is important because it ties in with the gross motor movements that we have briefly discussed. Fine motor movements are incorporated into gross motor movements, so by studying fine motor movements, it also helps us to understand gross motor movements. For example, writing is a fine motor skill, but involves gross motor movements when initially learning to write (such as using your shoulders), and through repetition, gradually becomes the dynamic tripod. This chapter is also important because it states the normal age/time range that the developing child should start to develop these skills. By understanding the normal, one can differentiate it from the abnormal, and can be utilized as a diagnostic tool for irregular or slow behaviors.

Understanding fine motor development is critical in my future profession as a Physician Assistant. In order to diagnose, PA’s need to be able to differentiate the abnormal from the normal. As of now, I am pursuing a specialization in pediatrics, so understanding the regular timeline for the acquisition of specific skills will be key. For example, I know that children should be able to re-create triangles around five to six years old. If the child is still scribbling at this age, I would be hesitant. I would also consider external factors such as socioeconomic status and lighting/noise levels at home to avoid misdiagnosis. If external factors were not to blame, I would hypothesize that the problem is in the central nervous system, so I would order CAT scans, fMRI, MRI, etc.