Exploring the motor development of young children with possible severe to profound cognitive and motor developmental delay by means of a questionnaire

Aim: Early motor stimulation may be valuable for children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD), however limited knowledge of their typical motor developmental trajectory may be currently restraining the efficacy and specificity of this intervention. Research on young children with possible severe to profound cognitive and motor developmental delays who are expected to meet the criteria of PIMD later on in life, can fill this gap. Therefore, this study aims at exploring the course and (atypical) patterns of motor development in these children. Method: We assessed the gross and fine motor skills of 30 children with possible severe to profound cognitive and motor developmental delay (aged 6 to 59 months), using an adapted questionnaire completed by parents and researchers, and video observation of the motor abilities of the children. Results: Preliminary results will be presented. Conclusions: We expect that an increase in knowledge regarding the course and patterns of motor development can inform research and practice regarding assessment and evaluation of motor skills in persons with PIMD