Red Flags in Three to Six Year Olds Physical Development

Professional screening and assessment may be indicated if a child…

By age 3:

• Can’t dress or undress (with help)
• Can’t unscrew the lid of a large jar
• Can’t draw vertical and horizontal lines in imitation
• Can’t copy a circle with model
• Can’t jump in place (both feet off the floor)
• Can’t stand on one foot (briefly)
• Can’t climb stairs (with minimal help)

By age 4:

• Doesn’t hold crayon with thumb and fingers (still using a fist to grasp)
• Can’t undo zippers and buttons
• Can’t cut with scissors using proper grip
• Can’t dress and undress (with some help)
• Can’t climb stairs using alternate feet
• Can’t pedal a tricycle
• Can’t walk on a straight line

By age 5:

• Can’t draw simple shapes or diagonal lines
• Can’t cut on a straight thick line with scissors
• Doesn’t use an adult pencil grasp
• Can’t draw a simple figure
• Can’t dress and undress (with help only for very small buttons, etc.)
• Can’t hop on one foot
• Can’t throw (and usually catch) a ball
• Doesn’t play on playground without difficulties

By age 6:

• Unable to sit still for 5-7 minute story
• Doesn’t show hand preference/ no dominant hand
• Can’t do most self-help skills (brushing teeth, etc.) alone
• Unable to hop five times on one foot
• Awkward (compared to peers) when walking, running, climbing or handling a ball