It’s a sudden stumble, the impending crash of skin to concrete — you watch as your child falls (again), limbs sprawled out to absorb the impact, a cry startled from his lips. It’s an all too familiar sight; and you’re already running, prepared to battle the tears and bruises. They come as they always do. They’re familiar in their pain.

Your son is… clumsy, forever losing his footing, finding corners to collide with. He has no sense of balance, just as he has no talent for tying his shoes or riding his bike (an activity you no longer allow him to even attempt. You can’t bear the panic). His motor skills border on the non-existent.

You believe this to be just a phase, though. He’ll eventually grow into his equilibrium. He just needs time.

This assumption may not be correct, however. Your child may instead be suffering from an Output Disability — and this is far more serious than a simple bout of awkwardness.

An Output Disability is a disorder that disrupts the externalization of information. The mind can give a command for a movement, but the body will fail to carry it out. Instead youths will offer stilted speech patterns and disjointed gaits — with motor functions impaired.

For many parents (and teachers) such impairments are considered common, thought to be nothing more than simple childhood enthusiasm. But certain individuals may experience exaggerated symptoms — unable to walk, run, write or use tools as their peers do. Gestures are instead strange. And they must be recognized early to help establish aid.

Those who suffer from an Output Disability will require patience. All educators must understand that students will have difficulty with tasks as simple as mastering their pencils. Extra time and attention will be needed to help re-teach these functions, as well as taming any teasing that may be given from peers. Be prepared to repeat actions again and again until they are learned.