Developmental Coordination Disorders

Developmental Coordination Disorder – “DCD”

Developmental coordination disorder, or DCD, is an umbrella term used to describe children who lack the motor coordination necessary to perform tasks that are appropriate for his or her intellectual age, in the absence of other neurological or medical disorders. It has been estimated that approximately 5-6% of all children can be effected by DCD. DCD can coexist with other learning, language, behavioural and social difficulties, and is often linked with learning delays and developmental disorders. DCD has also been known as “clumsy child syndrome” and “dyspraxia”.

What are the symptoms?

Parents, teachers and sports coaches may notice in a child with DCD:

Awkward postures or running movements
A lack of hand-eye coordination, poor ball skills with throwing and catching
Slow, immature, laborious handwriting
Speech difficulties
History of delayed developmental milestones, like crawling, walking, and sitting
Dropping things, “clumsiness”
Difficulty dressing
Difficulty responding to unpredictable environments
Difficulty standing on one leg or handling sports equipment
If intellectual difficulties are present, the motor difficulties are in excess of those usually associated with the condition

How is it caused?

The cause of DCD is unclear, and there is no single test to diagnose DCD. Generally health professionals will come to a diagnosis of DCD through a series of tests, ruling out other neurological and medical disorders. A range of factors can be involved in the development of DCD, including:

Family history of motor difficulties
Chronic illness
Lack of opportunity for physical development
Lack of confidence

DCD can also be associated with other learning and developmental conditions, including:

Austism Spectrum Disorder
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Language & learning disorders

Where to get help?

If you suspect a your child may have a DCD or difficulties with developing age-appropriate motor skills, you should consult your doctor or paediatrician.

Parents and health professionals may work in collaboration with:

Occupational therapists for difficulties with self-care, handwriting, and participation in activities
Physiotherapists for severe motor impairments, and problems with balance, strength, or endurance
Speech pathologists for speech difficulties and delays in language learning
Psychologists for social, behavioural, and emotional difficulties
Education staff for adapting the classroom environments to promote a child’s learning and social integration

Suggestions for Parents

Choose physical activities with repetitive movements, which may be easier to learn than those requiring adaptive and random changes in movement. Eg/ choosing cycling and swimming over football or tennis.
Provide children with opportunities to learn and gain experience with physical activity from a young age.
Lead by example, choosing a sport that can involve the whole family.
Consider using safety equipment, as a child with DCD is more likely to fall, collide with an object or be struck by a ball.
Share your concerns with coaches and educators who may have further suggestions on how to support and encourage your child’s ability.

Useful links

Currajong Disability Services

Dyspraxia Families Support Facebook group

Developmental Coordination Disorder as a specific learning disability

Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder - flyer

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. Content has been prepared for Forbes and Parkes, NSW, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that, over time, currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.