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Bilateral Coordination

Bilateral coordination is the ability to use both of the sides together at the same time in a controlled and organized manner.  Bilateral coordination includes using both sides to do the same thing (throwing a large ball), alternate movements (walking), and/or using different movements on each side (cutting with scissors). 

Bilateral coordination begins to develop when your child is just a few months old.  Your child will bring both hands to the middle of their body to explore their fingers.  Later, your child will begin to use one hand to hold an object while the other hand moves or uses the object. 

 

Delays with bilateral coordination

Fine motor skill delays can occur for a variety of reasons, but is not always related to a specific diagnosis. Children with fine motor delays often have difficulty with fasteners (buttons, snaps, zippers, shoe tying), feeding (using utensils, drinking from an open face cup), coloring and drawing (difficulty maintaining grasp or using an appropriate grasp), cutting with scissors, and manipulating objects within their environment.


Treatment

Two Handed Tasks:
  • Pushing and pulling toys
  • Tearing paper
  • Play-doh (use hands and play-doh tools)
  • Throw a ball
  • String beads
  • Cut paper
  • Remove jars/lids/tops from containers
Games to enhance bilateral coordination
  • Hokey Pokey
  • Simon Says
  • Animal Walks
  • Pop up Pirate
  • Legos
  • Tinker Toys
185 S. Marley Rd. New Lenox, IL 60451