Autism Therapy for Developmental Coordination Disorder | Cadabam’s CDC
Watching your child struggle to hold a pencil, climb stairs, or join playground games can feel overwhelming. When autism and developmental coordination disorder (DCD) appear together, everyday tasks become giant hurdles. At Cadabams CDC, we combine autism therapy for developmental coordination disorder into one supportive roadmap—so your child moves, learns, and connects with confidence.
Overview: Autism & Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
How Autism and DCD/Dyspraxia Co-exist
- Autism affects how a child communicates and interacts.
- DCD (also called dyspraxia) affects planning and executing movements.
- 40–60 % of children with autism also have DCD, leading to compounded challenges in school, play, and self-care.
Signs Your Child May Need Integrated Therapy
Look for these red flags:
- Frequent tripping or dropping objects
- Difficulty imitating actions or learning new motor tasks
- Over- or under-reaction to textures, sounds, or movement
- Avoidance of PE, handwriting, or playground games
- Meltdowns tied to movement demands
Impact on Daily Life & Learning
- Academic: Slow handwriting, messy worksheets, fatigue during long tasks
- Social: Avoiding peers because of clumsiness or fear of failure
- Emotional: Low self-esteem, anxiety about new activities
- Family: Extra time for dressing, feeding, or homework; parental stress
Our Evidence-Based Therapy Programs
Occupational Therapy for Motor & Sensory Skills
Certified occupational therapists at Cadabams CDC use standardized tools like the Sensory Profile 2 and Movement ABC-2 to:
- Strengthen fine-motor control for writing and fastener use
- Improve gross-motor planning for sports and playground safety
- Address sensory modulation so your child feels “just right” in busy classrooms
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for Autism-Specific Goals
Board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) embed ABA strategies into every motor task:
- Task analysis breaks complex movements into small, achievable steps
- Positive reinforcement boosts motivation and builds confidence
- Data tracking shows weekly progress toward goals such as shoe tying or turn-taking
Sensory Integration & Praxis Training
We build sensory gyms with swings, trampolines, scooter boards, and climbing walls to:
- Enhance body awareness and balance
- Teach praxis—how to plan, sequence, and execute new movements
- Reduce sensory-seeking or avoiding behaviors that interfere with learning
Speech-Language & Social Skills Groups
Communication and movement go hand-in-hand. Our speech therapists run small groups where children:
- Practice requesting help when they drop items or fall
- Use social stories and role-play to rehearse PE participation
- Strengthen oral-motor skills for clearer speech and safe eating
Benefits of Integrated DCD & Autism Therapy
Improved Motor Planning & Coordination
- Consistent 15–20 % gains on BOT-2 motor scores within three months
- Children master tasks such as cutting, cycling, or using scissors independently
Better Academic & Classroom Participation
- Faster handwriting speed and legibility
- Increased engagement in group projects and physical education
Enhanced Social Interaction & Self-Esteem
- More invitations to playdates and birthday parties
- Reported rise in self-confidence on parent and teacher surveys
Reduced Parental Stress Through Support Programs
- Weekly parent coaching reduces caregiver burnout by up to 30 % (internal survey, 2023)
- Clear home activity plans make daily routines smoother
What to Expect: Initial Assessment & Custom Plan
Step-by-Step Evaluation Process
- Intake call to gather developmental history
- 90-minute multidisciplinary assessment (OT, BCBA, Speech)
- Sensory and motor standardized testing
- Parent meeting to review results and set priorities
Setting SMART Goals with Parents
We turn concerns into Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals—for example:
- “Child will independently fasten 4/5 buttons within 6 weeks.”
- “Child will participate in 10-minute PE warm-up without adult prompt.”
Timeline & Milestones
- Week 1–4: Baseline and rapport building
- Month 2–3: 50 % goal achievement expected
- Month 6: Re-evaluation and program adjustment
- Yearly: Comprehensive review with school and family
Program Delivery Options
In-Center Intensive Sessions
- Daily 2-hour slots, Monday–Saturday
- Fully equipped sensory gyms and quiet rooms for breaks
Hybrid Online Parent Coaching
- Fortnightly Zoom sessions to guide you through home activities
- Video feedback for correct positioning and prompting
School Collaboration Visits
- Therapists observe your child in class and adapt seating, tools, or instructions
- Joint teacher training to reinforce therapy goals during lessons
Family Support & Resources
Parent Workshops & Training
- Monthly 90-minute workshops on topics like “Dressing without Tears” and “Sensory Diets at Home.”
Home Activity Kits
- Color-coded fine-motor boxes delivered every quarter
- QR-code videos demonstrating each exercise
Community Peer Groups
- Weekend “Play & Move” clubs where children practice skills with peers
- WhatsApp support group moderated by our family liaison
Success Stories & Testimonials
Case Study: 7-Year-Old with Autism & DCD
- Presenting issues: Could not hop on one foot, refused handwriting, daily tantrums
- Intervention: 3× weekly OT with sensory integration + ABA reinforcement
- Outcome after 4 months: Hops 8 consecutive steps, writes 2-sentence stories, 70 % reduction in tantrums (ABC data)
Parent Feedback & Progress Metrics
“Cadabams CDC gave us our evenings back. Aarav now zips his jacket and races me to the car!” – Mrs. Ananya R., parent
- 92 % of families report “significant improvement” on our exit survey
- Average goal mastery time: 18 sessions