Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)

What is Developmental Coordination Disorder?

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the ability to plan and execute motor tasks. Developmental coordination disorder can lead to developmental delays, especially related to gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and self-care skills (like getting dressed and tying shoelaces) that require motor coordination. The symptoms associated with developmental coordination disorder can impact many areas of the individual’s life including academic performance, leisure, play, work, and social participation.

What are the signs and symptoms of DCD?

1. Difficulties with balance

2. Trouble with motor planning

3. Difficulties with gross motor and fine motor coordination

4. Poor posture

5. Clumsiness

6. Trouble with hand-eye coordination

7. Difficulty with handwriting

8. Poor body awareness

9. Sensory processing difficulties

10. Speech difficulties

11. Low muscle tone

12. Fatigue

How is DCD treated?

• Occupational Therapy
  • Children with DCD may receive medically based and/or school-based occupational therapy to improve symptoms related to DCD and improve their ability to engage in daily activities
  • Occupational therapists can plan targeted interventions to help your child improve many skills including balance, motor planning, gross motor and fine motor coordination, posture, handwriting, body awareness, and sensory processing skills
  • Your child’s occupational therapist will work on functional tasks that your child may struggle with (such as handwriting, self-care skills, play, leisure activities, work, and social participation) due to any symptoms your child is experiencing
  • During occupational therapy, your child will work on strengthening the muscles required to perform fine motor and gross motor tasks including the muscles of the core and trunk which are crucial for both fine and gross motor activities
  • Your child will engage in activities during occupational therapy that create the “just right” challenge and address balance, motor planning, coordination, and any other symptoms related to their condition
  • The occupational therapist may also suggest strategies your child can utilize during school or at home to improve a variety of challenges
  • Many children with DCD experience sensory processing difficulties which can be addressed with occupational therapy
• Physical Therapy
  • Children with DCD may receive medically based and/or school-based physical therapy to improve symptoms related to DCD and improve their ability to engage in important gross motor abilities (like walking without tripping, climbing stairs, climbing playground equipment, and sitting up straight) during their day
  • Physical therapists will focus on your child’s ability to perform gross motor tasks and will likely work on full-body strengthening, motor planning, balance, gross-motor coordination, posture, and body awareness with your child
• Speech Therapy
  • Some children with DCD may experience difficulties with speech due to trouble coordinating oral-motor movements
  • A speech therapist can help your child with any speech difficulties they may be experiencing due to DCD