Motor competence within the discipline of adapted physical education

• Published in: Routledge Handbook of Adapted Physical Education pp. 450 - 463
• Main Authors: MacDonald, Megan, Ku, Byungmo, Logan, Samuel W., Stinson, Jodi
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Routledge 2020
• Edition: 1
• Subjects: FMS Development; ADHD; Motor Skill Interventions; Motor Skill Competence; In-service Physical Educators; Physical Education; Motor Skill; Physical Educators; Ape Teacher; Individualized Family Service Plan; Fundamental Motor Skills; Physical Activity Behaviors; Ape Program; Motor Skill Improvements; Perceived Motor Competence; ICF; Motor Development; Object Control Skills; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; Motor Skill Development; Ape; School Readiness Initiatives; Motor Competence; Physical Activity Engagement; Low Skilled Children
• ISBN: 0367146118; 9780367146115
• DOI: 10.4324/9780429052675-33

Motor skill development is a fundamental human right. Unfortunately, it has been well documented that children with disabilities typically have weaker motor skills compared to their peers without disabilities. Furthermore, as motor skills develop in children with disabilities, there appears to be a slower rate of development compared to peers. The good news is that motor skills are malleable and successful interventions from adapted physical educators and researchers have been influential at improving the motor skills and motor competence of young and school-aged children with disabilities. This chapter will review common theoretical perspectives, motor skill interventions and summarize the state of knowledge in motor skill development in the field of adapted physical education (APE), including future directions.