Is My Child Clumsy — Or Is Their Brain Still Organizing Movement?

If you’ve found yourself searching: 

• “clumsy toddler Portland” 

• “child trips and falls often Portland” 

• “poor coordination child Portland” 

• “motor planning issues toddler” 

You’re likely noticing something subtle — but persistent. 

Maybe your child: 

• Trips more than other kids 

• Struggles to climb playground equipment 

• Avoids uneven surfaces 

• Seems unsure where their body is in space 

• Has difficulty with buttons, utensils, or small objects 

And you’re wondering: 

Is this just normal clumsiness? Or is something deeper going on? 

Let’s unpack that. 

What Parents Call “Clumsy” 

“Clumsy” is a word parents use when they can’t quite explain what they’re seeing. 

But often, what looks like clumsiness is actually: 

• Immature motor planning 

• Inconsistent balance control 

• Limited sensory awareness 

• Underdeveloped coordination patterns 

These are all functions of the brain’s ability to organize movement — not just muscle strength. 

Some children catch up naturally. 

Others benefit from early support. 

The key is understanding what’s really happening. 

Movement Is a Brain Skill First 

Walking, climbing, running, catching, writing — these are not just physical skills. 

They are neurological achievements. 

The brain must: 

• Map the body 

• Predict movement outcomes 

• Adjust in real time 

• Coordinate multiple systems simultaneously 

If that mapping process is incomplete, movement can look awkward, hesitant, or inefficient. 

It’s not laziness. 

It’s not a lack of effort. 

It’s often a sign the brain is still figuring things out. 

When Pediatricians Suggest OT or PT 

If clumsiness persists, families are often referred to: 

• Occupational Therapy (OT) for coordination and fine motor work 

• Physical Therapy (PT) for balance, posture, and gross motor skills 

These are valid and helpful referrals. 

But many parents searching “poor coordination child Portland” aren’t necessarily ready for formal therapy yet. 

They’re just noticing something feels off. 

And sometimes they’re told: 

“Let’s wait and see.” 

Waiting can be appropriate. 

But gentle support doesn’t have to mean alarm. 

A Different Lens: Motor Planning 

Motor planning is the brain’s ability to conceive, organize, and execute movement. 

If a child has difficulty: 

• Learning new playground skills 

• Imitating movements 

• Coordinating both sides of the body 

• Adjusting to uneven terrain 

The issue may not be strength. 

It may be motor planning. 

This is where repetition alone may not solve the problem. 

The brain needs new information — not just more practice. 

How ABM NeuroMovement Supports Coordination 

The Anat Baniel Method® NeuroMovement® focuses on helping the brain refine its internal maps. 

At MoveAbilities in Portland, sessions introduce small, novel movement variations that help the nervous system: 

• Notice differences 

• Improve balance strategies 

• Reduce unnecessary effort 

• Increase coordination 

• Expand movement possibilities 

Instead of drilling a skill like “jumping” or “climbing,” ABM improves the underlying organization that makes those skills easier. 

When the brain becomes more adaptable, coordination improves naturally. 

What Parents Often Notice 

Parents concerned about clumsiness often report: 

• Fewer falls 

• Smoother walking 

• More confidence on playground equipment 

• Improved focus during tasks 

• Better bilateral coordination 

The changes may feel subtle at first — but they build. 

Because coordination isn’t about forcing precision. 

It’s about improving organization. 

Is It Too Early to Do Something? 

Many families worry about overreacting. 

They think: 

“Maybe my child is just awkward.” 
“Maybe they’ll grow out of it.” 

Sometimes they do. 

But early nervous system support can be incredibly gentle and preventative. 

ABM doesn’t label children. 

It doesn’t pathologize them. 

It simply helps the brain become more capable. 

Early support often means easier progress later. 

Does This Mean We Shouldn’t Do OT or PT? 

Not necessarily. 

Some families choose ABM first. 

Some use it alongside other therapies. 

Some try ABM after feeling uncertain about traditional approaches. 

The key difference is this: 

ABM focuses on improving how the brain organizes movement — not just how the body performs tasks. 

And that distinction matters. 

Can I Do ABM Without OT or PT? 

Yes — you absolutely can. Many families choose to focus solely on ABM NeuroMovement® without combining it with occupational or physical therapy. It depends on the needs of your child and the pace that feels right for your family. At MoveAbilities, we support parents in making informed, individualized decisions. Whether ABM is your starting point or a next step, it can stand on its own as a complete and respectful way to support your child’s development. 

Clumsiness Is Information — Not Identity 

If your child seems clumsy, hesitant, or uncoordinated, it does not define them. 

It’s a clue. 

A signal. 

An invitation to support how their brain is organizing movement. 

And the earlier that support happens — gently and respectfully — the more confident and capable your child can become. 

🌿 Curious About Supporting Coordination in a Different Way? 

If you’re in the Portland area and wondering whether your child’s coordination challenges could benefit from a brain-based approach, MoveAbilities is here to help. 

👉 Contact Kathy at MoveAbilities to learn more or schedule a consultation.