Motor Development Assessment — Anoki

Motor Development Assessment

Expert evaluation for your child's physical milestones and movement

Whether your baby is late to walk, struggling to crawl, or your toddler seems unusually clumsy, Dr. K. Sushma provides precise, play-based motor assessments to identify delays and build a clear path toward progress.

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A pediatrician evaluating a child's motor development through play

Motor signs requiring urgent medical evaluation: If your child experiences a sudden loss of motor skills they previously had (regression), shows extreme floppiness like a ragdoll, severe stiffness, or only uses one side of their body, seek immediate medical attention.

Every child walks their own path

It is incredibly easy to panic when a friend's baby is walking at 10 months and yours isn't showing interest at 14 months. The "normal" range for physical milestones is much wider than most parents realize. We provide objective reassurance and, if a delay is present, the early intervention tools needed to help them catch up.

Play-Based

Observational Exams

Early Support

Targeted Intervention

Fine & Gross

Comprehensive Motor Check

MBBS, DCH, DNB

Pediatric Qualifications

What we evaluate

Key areas of physical development

Movement is complex, relying on the brain, nerves, and muscles working in perfect harmony.

Gross Motor Skills

Evaluating the big movements: rolling over, sitting unassisted, crawling, standing, walking, running, and jumping.

Fine Motor Skills

Checking the small movements: using a pincer grasp, transferring toys between hands, holding crayons, and self-feeding.

Muscle Tone & Strength

Screening for hypotonia (low muscle tone or "floppiness") or hypertonia (unusual stiffness) that restricts movement.

Balance & Coordination

Observing how they navigate uneven surfaces, climb stairs, or if they experience an unusually high number of falls.

Reflex Integration

Ensuring that newborn reflexes fade away when they are supposed to, allowing mature, voluntary movements to take over.

Symmetry

Checking that your child uses both the right and left sides of their body equally, rather than heavily favoring one side early on.

When to visit

Signs it's time for a motor assessment

Don't wait and wonder if your child is consistently missing the mark on physical tasks.

Delayed Walking

Missed Milestones

If your child is not sitting unassisted by 9 months, not crawling by 12 months, or not taking independent steps by 18 months.

Frequent Falls

Excessive Clumsiness

While all toddlers fall, consistently tripping over nothing, struggling with stairs, or unable to run safely may indicate a coordination issue.

Toe Walking

Atypical Movement

While occasional toe walking is normal, walking *exclusively* on their toes past age 2 warrants a professional evaluation to check muscle tightness.

What happens

Your child's assessment, step by step

Detailed milestone history

We begin by mapping out exactly when your child hit their previous physical milestones to understand their unique growth curve.

Play-based physical exam

Dr. Sushma will engage your child with toys placed at different heights and distances, naturally observing how they reach, crawl, or walk without pressure.

Tone and reflex testing

A gentle, hands-on check of their joints, muscle resistance, and neurological reflexes to rule out physical barriers to movement.

Discussion of findings

We will clearly explain whether the delay is a normal variation, a sign of low muscle tone, or an indicator of a different developmental issue.

Actionable next steps

You’ll leave with specific home exercises to strengthen muscles, or a referral to a trusted Pediatric Physical or Occupational Therapist if ongoing support is needed.

Before your visit

What to bring

Helping us see how they naturally move

Videos of them moving

Children often refuse to walk or perform in a doctor's office. A short video of how they crawl, walk, or struggle at home is the best diagnostic tool you can bring.

Comfortable clothing

Dress your child in loose, comfortable clothing (like shorts or a onesie) so we can easily observe their joints and muscle movements during play.

Milestone notes

Bring your baby book or any records you have detailing exactly when they first rolled over, sat up, or pulled to a stand.

Previous therapy reports

If your child has already seen a physical or occupational therapist elsewhere, please bring their evaluation reports.

When motor delays require a neurological view

Motor delays—especially those involving extreme stiffness, severe floppiness, or asymmetrical movement—can sometimes be the first sign of a neurological or muscular condition like Cerebral Palsy. Because Anoki integrates Pediatrics with Pediatric Neurology under one roof, Dr. Sushma can immediately collaborate with Dr. Pathi to ensure your child receives the most advanced, comprehensive care without delay.

Pediatric Neurology →

Your Pediatrician

Dr. K. Sushma

MBBS, DCH, DNB Pediatrics · Assistant Professor of Pediatrics

Dr. Sushma approaches motor assessments with a keen, observant eye and a playful demeanor. She focuses on identifying exactly *why* a child is struggling to move, empowering parents with the knowledge and early intervention tools needed to help their child catch up.

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Common questions

Questions parents often ask

Is it normal for my baby to skip crawling?

Some babies do skip traditional crawling and go straight to pulling up and walking (or they "scoot" on their bottoms). While crawling is excellent for brain development, skipping it isn't always a red flag if their other motor skills are on track.

My child walks on their toes, is that bad?

Occasional toe walking is common when toddlers are learning to walk. However, if they walk on their toes *exclusively* past age 2, it should be evaluated to rule out tight Achilles tendons or sensory/neurological differences.

When is "late walking" actually a problem?

Most babies walk between 12 and 15 months. We don't usually consider a child "delayed" in walking until they reach 18 months without taking independent steps. If you are concerned before then, an assessment can still provide peace of mind.

What is the difference between physical and occupational therapy?

Physical Therapy (PT) focuses on gross motor skills—the big movements like walking, jumping, and core strength. Occupational Therapy (OT) focuses on fine motor skills and daily tasks—like holding a pencil, using a spoon, and sensory processing.

Can low muscle tone (hypotonia) be cured?

Low muscle tone is a symptom, not a disease. While you cannot "cure" the underlying tone, children with hypotonia can absolutely build strength, endurance, and reach their motor milestones with the right physical therapy and support.

Help them take their next big step with confidence.

Book a motor development assessment with Dr. K. Sushma at our Pragathi Nagar clinic.

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