Peabody Developmental Motor Scales (PDMS-3)

Title of Assessment

Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, Third Edition (PDMS-3)

Author(s)

M. Rhonda Folio & Rebecca R. Fewell

Year of Publication / Publisher

2023, Pearson

Identify Type of Assessment

Standardized, norm-referenced motor development assessment

Cost (identify source) & How to Access

The complete kit costs approximately $820. Additional materials such as record forms and scoring booklets are sold separately. Access is available through Pearson’s website or approved distributors.

Assessment (include link if possible)

Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, Third Edition (PDMS-3), available through Pearson Clinical Assessments.

Population (who it is appropriate for [age, diagnosis, etc.])

Children from birth through 5 years, 11 months. It is appropriate for children with suspected or known gross and fine motor delays, including developmental coordination disorder, cerebral palsy, and other early motor delays.

Appropriate Settings (potential practice settings appropriate to administer assessment in)

• Early intervention programs
  
  

• Pediatric outpatient clinics
  
  

• Schools
  
  

• Inpatient rehabilitation settings
  
  

• Private practice
  
  

• Research studies
  
  

Purpose of Assessment & Function(s)/Area(s) Assessed

The purpose of the PDMS-3 is to assess motor development in young children. It identifies strengths and delays in both gross and fine motor skills. The tool evaluates:

• Body Control
  
  

• Body Transport
  
  

• Object Control
  
  

• Hand Manipulation
  
  

• Eye-Hand Coordination
  
  

• Physical Fitness (supplemental)
  
  

Administration

Administration time is typically 60–90 minutes. It is individually administered using standardized instructions. Subtests can be given independently or as part of a full battery. Basal and ceiling rules are used to determine item starting and stopping points.

User Qualifications

Requires a Level B qualification: typically a licensed occupational therapist, physical therapist, psychologist, or other professional with appropriate training in standardized assessment.

Materials Required

• Examiner’s Manual
  
  

• Administration Guide
  
  

• Stimulus cards
  
  

• Manipulative kit
  
  

• Record Forms
  
  

• Scoring platform (digital or paper-based)
  
  

Scoring Procedure

Each item is scored on a 3-point scale (0, 1, 2), then converted to raw scores, which are used to calculate standard scores, percentile ranks, age equivalents, and composite motor quotients. Scores are interpreted relative to normative data and used to guide intervention planning.

Psychometrics/Standardization (norms, reliability/validity studies)

Normed on a diverse U.S. sample of 1,452 children collected between 2016 and 2021. Demonstrates strong internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, and construct validity. Shows minimal cultural or gender bias, and predictive validity was supported through ROC/AUC analyses.

Strengths & Weaknesses of Assessment

Strengths:

• Comprehensive assessment of motor development
  
  

• Updated and diverse normative sample
  
  

• Strong psychometric support
  
  

• Digital scoring improves efficiency
  
  

• Useful for treatment planning and progress monitoring
  
  

Weaknesses:

• Relatively high cost
  
  

• Time-consuming
  
  

• Requires qualified training to administer and interpret properly
  
  

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