Acknowledgements

Introduction: A Parent's Perspective

Chapter 1: A Model of Hand Skill Development
A Visual Model of the Development of Fine Motor Skills in a Child
Definitions of the Components of Fine Motor Skill Development:
-The Three Building Blocks
-Dexterity
-Daily Living Skills

Chapter 2: Building on What Is There: Learning Step by Step
The Process of Learning New Skills
Breaking Down Activities into Steps
Motivation
Adapting the Environment

Chapter 3: Fine Motor Development in Children with Down Syndrome
Physical/Medical Characteristics of Down Syndrome
Skills to Encourage at Stages of Development:
-Birth-Two Years
-Two-Four Years
-Five-Eight Years
-Nine-Twelve Years
-Thirteen-Adulthood

Chapter 4: Early Movement in Babies with Down Syndrome
Early Arm and Hand Control: Relationship to Development Milestones
How to Help Your Baby

Chapter 5: The First Building of Hand Skills: Stability
Stability in Children with Down Syndrome
Activities for: Body Stability, Ball Skills, Shoulder Stability
Grandma's and Grandpa's List

Chapter 6: The Second Building Block: Bilateral Coordination
How Young Children Coordinate Their Hands Together
Bilateral Coordination in Children with Down Syndrome
The Development of Handedness
Activities for Bilateral Coordination
Grandma's and Grandpa's List

Chapter 7: The Third Building Block: Sensation
The Sensory-Motor Loop: Effects of Down Syndrome
Activities for Sensation
Grandma's and Grandpa's List

Chapter 8: Dexterity
Components of Dexterity
Grasp and Release:
-How it Develops
-Grasp and Release in Children with Down Syndrome
-Activity Suggestions
Pinch and Thumb Control:
-Activity Suggestions
Finger Coordination:
-The Development of Individual Finger Movement
-Hand Stability
-Activity Suggestions
Wrist Movements:
-Activity Suggestions
Grandma's and Grandpa's List

Chapter 9: Daily Living Skills: School-Related Tasks
Cutting
Pencil Grasp
Preprinting Skills
Drawing and Coloring
Printing
Pencil Pressure
Positioning
Cursive Writing
Computers
Incorporating Fine Motor Goals into Your Child's Education Plan
Grandma's and Grandpa's List

Chapter 10: Daily Living Skills: Self-Help Skills, Household and Leisure Activities
Self-Help Skills:
-Dressing
-Eating/Drinking
-Grooming
Household Activities
Leisure and Recreation
Grandma's and Grandpa's List

Chapter 11: Sensory Processing
Sensory Processing in Children with Down Syndrome
Signs of Sensory Processing Difficulties
Strategies and Activities for Sensory Processing Difficulties
Grandma's and Grandpa's List

Chapter 12: Hands Up!
Looking Ahead
Conclusion

Appendix 1: Visual Motor Worksheets
Stage 1: Preprinting Worksheets
Stage 2: Pencil Control Worksheets
Stage 3: Letter Groupings (Printing)
Stage 4: Prewriting Worksheets

Appendix 2: Don't Throw It Out! Household Items to Use for Hand Play

Glossary
Bibliography
Resources
Index