Motor Skills Matter: Empowering Children's Development Through Movement and Sensory Integration

Dr. Tara Liddle, PT, DPT, PCS, is a distinguished pediatric physical therapist with over three decades of experience enhancing children's development through movement and sensory integration. As the founder of Motor Skills Matter, Dr. Liddle has been instrumental in promoting the importance of motor skills in early childhood, emphasizing that these foundational abilities are crucial for cognitive, emotional, and social growth.

Dr. Liddle's academic journey includes a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy and a Master's degree in the Management of Developmental Disabilities from New York University, followed by a Doctorate in Pediatric Physical Therapy from Rocky Mountain University. She is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy, underscoring her commitment to excellence in her field. citeturn0search0

Throughout her career, Dr. Liddle has amassed extensive clinical experience, beginning at the Rusk Institute in New York City and later at Lenox Hill Hospital, where she established therapy programs for premature infants. Most recently, from 2016 to 2019, she served as the Regional Director of Pediatric Therapy at a major clinical healthcare company. From 2019 to the present, Dr. Liddle continues her practice with in-home services in NYC and the East End of Long Island, addressing specific motor concerns and fostering optimal development from the earliest ages, ensuring that babies receive the specialized care they need.

A notable aspect of Dr. Liddle's work is her authorship of "Why Motor Skills Matter," a book that highlights the critical role of motor development in children. First published by McGraw Hill in 2003, the book's second edition was released by Koehler Books in 2018, providing updated insights and practical guidance for parents and professionals alike. Dr. Liddle's philosophy centers on the belief that motor skills are integral to a child's development. She emphasizes that movement and sensory experiences are foundational to cognitive functions, language development, and emotional well-being. By fostering these skills, children gain confidence and a sense of self-awareness, enabling them to navigate their environments effectively and engage meaningfully with others.

In addition to her other clinical and literary contributions, Dr. Liddle founded "Baby Beginnings," a comprehensive baby wellness program designed to empower new parents with essential knowledge. Baby Beginnings offers two key components: Dr. Liddle provides virtual coaching for parents, addressing their specific concerns and providing tailored guidance on infant development. Separately, she also leads four-week floor-time play classes in NYC and the East End of Long Island, focusing on purposeful play and the prevention of conditions like positional torticollis and flat head syndrome while strengthening the parent-child bond.

Dr. Liddle's expertise is widely recognized, leading her to speak at numerous hospitals, schools, and national organizations on motor and sensory development. She aims to empower children to be confident and self-aware by understanding the importance of sensory systems, movement, play, and social development.

For more information about Dr. Tara Liddle and her work, visit the following platforms:

• Website: www.motorskillsmatter.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/motorskillsmatter
• Facebook: facebook.com/motorskillsmatter
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/taraliddle

Through Motor Skills Matter, Dr. Liddle continues to advocate for the critical role of motor development in children's lives, striving to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive through movement and sensory awareness.