In Fine Motor Skills in Children with Down Syndrome the author presents a thorough overview of the building blocks of fine motor development and how the characteristics of Down syndrome can impact the acquisition and progression of fine motor skills. She also explains the building blocks of fine motor development:

• Stability
• Bilateral coordination
• Sensation
• Dexterity
• Early arm and hand control

And important daily living skills for home and school:

• Dressing & grooming
• Eating & drinking
• Cutting
• Grasping a pencil
• Preprinting skills
• Drawing
• Printing
• Cursive handwriting

There are instructions for dozens of easy home- and school-based activities, which help children gradually overcome delays and learn the fine motor skills mentioned above. The author suggests ways for parents to incorporate these exercises into as many day-to-day activities as possible, recognizing how impractical it is to constantly be in "therapy" mode with a child. New material includes a chapter on problems with sensory processing for those who are over- or under-responsive to touch, or have unexpected reactions to sound, pain, or other sensations. Being aware of these sensitivities can open pathways to better behavior and responsiveness to therapy.