Is there a stigma attached to a child who receives therapy? Yes, this is true; but the authors suggest that when therapists work with perhaps two or three children at the same time, those children are less likely to feel like they are being "singled out" as in need of special services. "It is important for parents to realize that it is generally more stigmatizing to appear 'clumsy' than to receive therapy," the chapter points out on page 225. What are some of the specific skills that are addressed through physical therapy? An example of a need among some children is when they "cannot turn their head without moving their whole body" (p. 229). And when they do turn their head and their body moves along with that movement of the head, "they may need to take steps forward to maintain their balance." There are helpful things a therapist can do in this instance, such as specifically helping children develop "head movements separate from other body movements" (p. 229).

Another problem that children with motor disabilities show to teachers (who are paying close attention) is their inability to "spontaneously use energy-conserving positions." For example, children without motor challenges often show a variety of body positions that help them concentrate on a story being read by the teacher. They may lie on their stomach with their heads supported by their hands, "legs spread wide apart," in order to "conserve energy while listening" to the story. But children who do have motor disabilities...

So, what can a therapist do to help that struggling child? The authors say children with motor problems should indeed by encouraged to "assume varied positions" that will help them build strength rather than be encouraged just to sit still.
Also when preschoolers who are looking up, straight up, at an object, and then fall backwards, may very well have inadequate muscle strength in their abdominal area. If that child does not get some therapy, the weakness in abdominal muscles "could be dangerous because falling backward off playground equipment," like the steps that lead up to a slide for example, may well result in a serious injury for the child. So in this case, it isn't just a matter of wanting the child to fit in with other children, or to not be clumsy and cause themselves embarrassment; it is a pure and simple matter of safety. Clearly, physical therapy is a very valuable service, the authors conclude, especially at the preschool level. Because if gross motor movements are not dealt with at a young age, the problems the child has could also cause a lack of self-esteem, which could have ramifications throughout childhood and even into adulthood.

Works Cited

Ward, Suzanne J.; & Seto, Linda G. "Physical Therapy Services." An Introduction to Early

Childhood Special Education, Ed. Linda Dunlap. pp. 216-234. Boston: Allyn and Bacon,