Can a child have both ADHD and DCD?

Yes. Co-occurrence is common; our integrated program addresses both.

Do medications for ADHD help motor skills?

Stimulants improve focus but **do not directly enhance** motor coordination. OT remains essential.

At what age can DCD be reliably diagnosed?

After age 5, once motor delays persist despite adequate learning opportunities.

Is occupational therapy covered by insurance in India?

Most policies with mental-health riders cover OT; our team helps with paperwork.

How does Cadabam’s support children with co-occurring ADHD and DCD?

Cadabam’s utilizes an integrated, multidisciplinary team approach. Our psychologists and OTs (and other relevant specialists) collaborate closely. We develop unified treatment plans addressing both attention/behavioural needs and motor skill deficits simultaneously. Strategies might involve incorporating movement breaks into focused tasks, using behavioural principles during OT, and providing holistic parent training covering both conditions. The goal is coordinated care for optimal functional improvement.

What is the first step I should take at Cadabam's if I suspect my child has features of ADHD or DCD?

The best first step is to contact us to schedule an initial consultation or book a comprehensive developmental assessment. During the initial contact or consultation, you can discuss your specific concerns about **`ADHD vs Developmental Coordination Disorder`**. Our team will guide you through the assessment process tailored to explore these specific possibilities and determine the most appropriate next steps for your child.

ADHD vs Developmental Coordination Disorder: Key Differences, Diagnosis & Treatment

Every parent wants their child to thrive, but when attention slips or motor skills lag, it’s hard to know what’s typical and what needs professional help. The confusion around ADHD vs developmental coordination disorder is common. Both conditions can make school and home life harder, yet they need different supports. At Cadabams CDC, we guide parents from worry to clarity so children can reach their full potential.

Quick Snapshot – ADHD vs DCD at a Glance

Core Symptoms Compared

ADHD: Persistent inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
DCD (Dyspraxia): Delays in gross and fine motor skills—e.g., trouble tying shoes or riding a bike.

Impact on Daily Life

ADHD: Missed instructions, messy desks, emotional outbursts.
DCD: Frequent spills, slow handwriting, avoidance of sports.

Overlap & Co-occurrence

Roughly 30–50 % of children with ADHD also meet criteria for DCD. Shared executive-function weaknesses can blur the line, so a precise assessment matters.

What Is ADHD?

Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-5)

A child must show six or more symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity for at least six months, in two or more settings. The meaning of ADHD is complex, and a formal diagnosis as per DSM is crucial.

Attention & Executive Function Challenges

Losing homework
Difficulty organizing tasks
Emotional dysregulation

Common Misconceptions

Myth: “All kids with ADHD are hyper.”
Fact: Some present as quiet day-dreamers (Predominantly Inattentive Presentation), especially in ADHD in kids.

What Is Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)?

Motor Skill Milestones & Delays

Typical red flags:

Late crawling or walking
Trouble using scissors by age 5
Awkward running gait

How DCD Differs from General Clumsiness

Clumsy kids catch up; children with DCD remain at or below the 5th percentile on standardized motor tests year after year.

Long-Term Effects if Untreated

Academic underachievement, which can be mistaken for ADHD vs poor school performance.
Low self-esteem
Reduced physical activity leading to obesity

The Double Whammy: ADHD + DCD

Statistics on Comorbidity

Studies show 1 in 3 children with ADHD also have DCD—double the general population rate.

Shared Neurological Pathways

Both conditions involve fronto-striatal circuits, explaining why attention and motor planning can both suffer. These are considered neurodevelopmental issues.

Why Early Identification Matters

Combined issues raise the risk of anxiety and depression by adolescence; early intervention cuts that risk in half. This is particularly important for teens with ADHD.

Symptom Checklist – Spot the Differences

Red Flags for ADHD

Interrupts others often
Rushes through homework
Loses toys weekly

Red Flags for DCD

Holds pencil in an awkward tripod grip
Struggles to jump with both feet together
Avoids playground climbing frames

When Symptoms Overlap

A child might knock over a glass while talking nonstop. In such cases, standardized testing separates motor delay from impulsivity.

Assessment Process at Cadabams Child Development Center

Multidisciplinary Team Approach

Our child psychiatrist, occupational therapist, and special educators collaborate to rule out sensory issues or learning disabilities.

Tools We Use – Conners, MABC-2, BOT-2

Conners 4: Screens for ADHD and executive-function deficits as part of our ADHD assessments.
MABC-2 & BOT-2: Pinpoint exact motor-skill gaps with a developmental assessment.

What Parents Can Expect in 3 Easy Steps

Intake Call: Discuss concerns and history.
Day-long Evaluation: 2-hour assessment with breaks.
Feedback Session: Receive diagnosis, report, and therapy roadmap within 48 hours.

Evidence-Based Treatment Plans

Behavior Therapy for ADHD

Parent-management training (PMT)
Classroom token-economy systems
Emotion-regulation modules using behavioral therapy for ADHD.

Occupational Therapy for DCD

Task-specific training: Daily 15-minute handwriting drills.
Neuromotor approaches: Yoga and animal walks for core strength.

Integrated Programs for Co-occurring ADHD & DCD

Our 12-week Motor-Plus Program blends OT with executive-function coaching—proven to boost both motor accuracy and sustained attention. This is a core part of our ADHD treatment.

School & Home Support Strategies

Classroom Accommodations

ADHD: Seat near teacher, visual schedules.
DCD: Extra time for written tests, pencil grips.
Both may benefit from educational support for ADHD.

IEP vs 504 Plan

IEP: Needed when DCD significantly affects academic achievement.
504 Plan: Ideal for ADHD accommodations without specialized instruction. Both are types of special education programs for ADHD.

Practical Tips for Parents

Break tasks into micro-steps.
Use textured rulers for cutting practice.
Schedule movement breaks every 20 minutes.
For more tips, see our ADHD parent guide.

Success Stories – Real Children, Real Progress

Case Study 1: 7-Year-Old with Combined ADHD + DCD

Arjun fidgeted constantly and couldn’t button his uniform. After 8 weeks of Motor-Plus, his teacher noted 30 % improvement in writing speed and fewer classroom interruptions. This shows the success of combining therapies for ADHD in children.

Case Study 2: Teen Managing DCD Alone

14-year-old Ananya dreaded PT class. Six months of targeted occupational therapy plus a 504 Plan helped her score a B+ in sports skills assessment—boosting overall confidence for this teen with ADHD.