From scribbles to skills
From scribbles to skills
A child holding a pencil, using scissors, or folding a piece of paper may seem self-explanatory, but behind these actions lies a complex development of fine motor skills. In this dissertation of Leila Faber it has been explored how children aged 3 to 15 develop these skills, and what happens when that development takes a different path, such as in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD, a disorder that causes motor clumsiness) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
To better understand this, the observation tool Hands-On! is developed as part of this research project. It allows for a detailed look not only at what children do (like speed or errors), but especially at how they do it. This qualitative perspective provides valuable insights into how everyday tasks such as cutting, writing, and folding are performed. The findings show that children with DCD or ASD often use different strategies or display less refined movements compared to their typically developing peers.
By capturing these differences, this research helps identify motor difficulties earlier and more accurately, allowing for timely and adequate support. This is crucial, as fine motor skills are essential for learning, independence, and participation in daily life. The results highlight the added value of combining quantitative and qualitative assessments to better understand motor development.
Ultimately, this dissertation provides new insights into how children progress “from scribbles to skills,” and offers practical tools for clinicians, educators, and researchers to support children in reaching their full potential.