Stage 5 - Acquisition
11-12+ Months
EXECUTION BECOMES MASTERY
Your child is no longer organizing movement.
They are using movement.
Movement now becomes a tool for learning, problem-solving, interaction, and adaptation.
The body is no longer asking, "Can I move?"
It is asking, "What can I do?"
Acquisition builds: independent standing, dynamic balance, adaptive movement, environmental awareness, motor planning, problem solving, confidence, learning through action, and functional independence.
Movement Lesson focuses on how movement is organized - not simply what movement looks like
THE 2 KEY ACQUISITION MILESTONES
WHAT IS HAPPENING
The child is now combining everything developed previously into one adaptive system.
They can:
- Move
- Stop
- Adjust
- Reorganize
- Solve
- Learn
SIGNS THE SYSTEM MAY NEED SUPPORT
- Avoids environmental exploration
- Relies heavily on support
- Falls when movement demands change
- Struggles with transition between skills
- Repeats movement without adapting
These observations do not define a diagnosis. They may indicate areas where development can benefit from additional support.
WHY THIS STAGE MATTERS
Skills you will see when your child is thriving in this stage:
- The child moves between positions independently
- Stands without assistance
- Squats and returns to standing
- Changes directions intentionally
- Uses movement to reach goals
- Explores environments confidently
- Begins solving movement problems
- Adapts movement to new situations
