At what age is the PDMS-2 used for a child?

One of the most trusted ways to map a young child's motor journey — from a newborn's first reflexes to a six-year-old's confident hop, skip and pencil grip.

In short

The Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, 2nd edition (PDMS-2) is used for children from birth up to 5 years 11 months (0 to 71 months). It is a clinician-administered assessment that looks closely at how a child's movement skills are developing — both the big movements of the body and the fine, careful movements of the hands. It is a way to understand a child's motor strengths and where support may help, never a label.

What the PDMS-2 looks at

Within that birth-to-six window, the PDMS-2 gently observes two broad areas. Gross motor skills cover the larger movements — reflexes in the early months, holding the head and sitting, crawling, standing, walking, running, jumping and throwing or catching a ball. Fine motor skills cover the smaller, precise movements — reaching and grasping, using both hands together, stacking, drawing and early pencil control. A trained clinician guides your child through playful tasks and watches how each skill is performed, building a picture of how your child moves compared with other children of the same age. Because it spans infancy right through to school entry, it is especially useful for noticing whether motor development is unfolding along an expected path, and for planning the right kind of help if a child needs a little extra support.

When it is helpful

A PDMS-2 may be suggested when a parent or doctor notices that a young child's movement skills — sitting, walking, balance, hand use or coordination — seem to be developing more slowly than peers, or when a child is already receiving therapy and the team wants to measure progress over time. It is most meaningful within its designed age range of birth to 5 years 11 months; for older children, a clinician will choose a more age-appropriate tool.

The Pinnacle way

This is general information, not a diagnosis — a clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care, never from an app or form. Our therapists use validated tools such as the PDMS-2 alongside careful observation, then build an individualised plan that may draw on occupational therapy and other supports to strengthen your child's movement skills at their own pace.

Trusted sources

The American Academy of Pediatrics and HealthyChildren guidance on motor milestones; CDC developmental milestone resources; ASHA and developmental-assessment principles for choosing age-appropriate tools.

Next step — If you would like to understand your young child's motor development clearly, book a developmental assessment with our team to map their strengths and start any helpful support early.