9-12 years old Milestone

Here's some milestones for your pre-teens.

The majority of children will achieve these milestones between the ages of 9 and 12 years old. All children develop at different rates. Some children are slower than others (developmentally delayed) but catch up with time. Other children, however, may have an underlying problem that causes their development to be delayed, and they may not catch up.

Download Checklist

Evaluate your child with this checklist

It is important for these children to get as much treatment (early intervention) as possible. So if you are concerned about any aspect of your child’s development, see your child health nurse or doctor for help as soon as you can. If in doubt, it is better to have your concerns checked than to ‘wait and see’.

Gross Motor

  • Enjoy team games (soccer, football, cricket, tennis, etc)
  • Are able to swim
  • Show increased body awareness and self-perception
  • Show increased awareness of own physical skills and how they appear to others

Fine Motor

  • Adult-type tools can be used, such as saws and hammers. Children can construct simple structures with wood and sew basic garments
  • Handwriting becomes more fluid, automatic and less of an effort
  • Writing speed increases
  • Writing can occur well without ruled lines

Talking and understanding

  • Understanding similarities, opposites
  • Communicating effectively in classroom and playground social settings
  • Understanding within the classroom
  • Understanding more complex grammar

Social

  • Children at this age use and understand very complex language
  • Ability to understand other people’s points of view
  • Sense of what is important is influenced by school and friends

Intellectual

  • The intellectual standard of children of this age is defined by the school curriculum

Youthrive is providing this as general information only and it should not be relied upon as professional or medical advice. You should seek professional and medical advice for particular health concerns or manifestations. Our best efforts have been used to ensure this information is considered correct and current in accordance with accepted best practice in Queensland as at the date of production.

Originally produced by Child Development Network.

First Appointment

If you are a parent who has not had any experience with therapy services for your child, the process can seem quite overwhelming. Here’s what to expect at your first appointment.

1

Initial Consultation

The initial appointment is typically one hour in duration. Your child will attend this session for Speech Pathology, Dietetics and Occupational Therapy. For Psychology appointments you will need to check if your child is required for the initial consultation at the time of booking.

2

Information Session

The therapist will ask detailed information about your child’s family history, health and development, education and any concerns you may have.

3

Goals & Assessment

An assessment may be commenced during this initial appointment and goals for therapy will be established.

Make an Appointment