Understanding the Movement ABC: A standardised motor skills assessment
At Outreach Physiotherapy, we’re passionate about helping children thrive through movement. One of the tools we rely on to support this mission is the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, commonly known as the Movement ABC.
Whether you're a parent wondering about your child’s motor development, or a teacher or therapist seeking a trusted assessment tool, this blog will walk you through what the Movement ABC is, why it matters, and how it can guide the next steps in supporting a child’s growth.
What is the Movement ABC?
The Movement ABC is a standardised assessment tool used by physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and educators across the world. It helps identify children who may have motor coordination difficulties — including those with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) — by evaluating their ability to perform specific movement tasks.
It’s suitable for children aged 3 to 16 years, (or 3-25 if you have the Movement ABC-3) and is often used in schools, clinics, or home-based settings to:
Spot motor delays early
Inform therapy and classroom strategies
Direct therapy goals and treatment
Support referrals for further assessment or diagnosis
What does it measure?
The Movement ABC looks at three core areas of motor function:
Manual dexterity
Fine motor skills such as drawing, using scissors, or threading beadsAiming and catching
Hand-eye coordination in tasks like throwing and catchingBalance
Both static and dynamic balance — from standing still to walking heel-to-toe
Each task is timed or scored against clear criteria, and the results are compared to standardised age norms. This helps therapists understand whether a child’s motor development is typical, borderline, or significantly delayed.
Why use the Movement ABC?
Because early identification leads to better outcomes.
Motor skill difficulties often go unnoticed — children might simply be seen as “clumsy,” “avoiding sport,” or “struggling in the classroom.” The Movement ABC gives objective, evidence-based insight into what's really going on.
It helps therapists, parents, and educators:
Understand the child’s strengths and challenges
Tailor therapy goals based on specific skill areas
Build a personalised intervention plan
Track changes and celebrate progress over time
Most importantly, it helps children gain the confidence and skills they need to participate more fully at home, school, and in the community.
What happens in a Movement ABC assessment?
A Movement ABC session usually takes 20–40 minutes, depending on the child’s age and attention span. The activities are designed to be fun and game-like, helping children feel at ease while we gather valuable information.
For example, we might ask a child to:
Thread beads onto a string
Walk along a balance beam
Catch a ball
Draw within a shape
Pick up small objects
The environment is supportive and positive — and many children see it as play, not a test!
Who should consider a Movement ABC?
We recommend the Movement ABC if:
A child appears uncoordinated or avoids physical activity
Teachers note concerns with handwriting, PE, or fine motor tasks
The child struggles with dressing, playground skills, or participating in class
There’s a history of delayed milestones or possible developmental delay
You’re seeking clarity before a diagnosis of DCD or other neurodevelopmental conditions
Even children with milder challenges benefit — early detection means earlier support, which can prevent frustration, boost self-esteem, and foster lifelong confidence in movement.
How Outreach Physiotherapy can help
At Outreach Physiotherapy, our experienced paediatric physiotherapists are trained in using the Movement ABC. We offer:
In-clinic or mobile assessments
Detailed reports for families, schools or healthcare providers
Tailored therapy plans focused on real-life goals
Collaboration with OTs, teachers, and support coordinators
If you're a parent, teacher, support worker or allied health professional wondering whether the Movement ABC might benefit a child in your care, get in touch.
📩 Contact our friendly team today to book an assessment or ask questions.