Difficulties with balance and coordination may result in a child having difficulty walking, throwing a ball, or even picking up a crayon. Abrupt movements, such as stopping on command, may also be hard for a child to do smoothly. Some skills needed for appropriate balance and coordination include hand-eye-coordination, body awareness, and postural control.

These types of injuries occur when a network of nerves (known as the “brachial plexus”) are stretched, compressed, or even ripped away from the spinal cord. Children may occur these injuries in many ways, such as through contact sports, accidents, or even during birth.

This disorder results in a child’s difficulty with moving, balance, and posture. The severity and symptoms of this disorder varies widely from child to child. Difficulty walking is a common symptom for children diagnosed with CP.

This genetic disorder occurs when a child has an extra chromosome. Although it presents itself in many ways, gross motor delays frequently occur. Low muscle tone and decreased strength are common symptoms. Posture, walking, and exercise are commonly targeted through physical therapy.

This genetic disorder is one of nine types of muscular dystrophy. DMD is progressive, meaning muscle degeneration and weakness occur over time. Muscle weakness is frequently seen, affecting many motor movements.

Children with this condition typically have weak muscle tone and loose joints. This can result in a delay in motor development, such as sitting, standing, and walking. Dislocations are also common.

“Gait” refers to walking. Disorders involving gait impacta child’s ability to walk appropriately and easily. There are many different abnormal gait (walking) patterns that can be observed.

In its simplest form, hypotonia means decreased muscle tone. This can occur on its own, but it can also be a symptom of other disorders and conditions. Children and infants with hypotonia are often described as “floppy”. Dislocations and delayed motor milestones are often noted.

Toe walking is when children walk on the toes or balls of their feet. Although this is common for young children, they should outgrow this behavior by the age of 2. A child may toe walk because of habit, or it could be connected to other conditions (such as cerebral palsy, autism, or muscular dystrophy).

Children with JIA may have joint pain, swelling and stiffness. This could be a short-lasting condition, or it could more long-term. Motor development may be delayed due to this condition.

This condition results when the spinal cord does not fuse together properly during development. Children with this may have back and leg pain, leg weakness, and balance and walking difficulties.

OI is a genetic disorder that results in bones that are very fragile and break easily. There is a wide range of severity and forms of this condition.

This genetic disorder affects the nerve cells that control the muscles. Weakness in muscles is often seen, impacting a child’s ability to walk, swallow, or even breath.

Torticollis is when a baby or child has a tilted head or difficulty turning his/her neck. It can occur because of positioning in the womb or after a difficult childbirth.

TBIs can result from a wide variety of accidents or events. Any injury to the head may affect the brain cells. Complications from TBIs may range from mild to severe. Car accidents, contact sports, or other violent events may result in a TBI.