Autism vs Developmental Coordination Disorder | Cadabam’s CDC
When your child struggles with coordination or social interaction, it’s natural to wonder: Is it autism or something else entirely? Autism vs Developmental Coordination Disorder is a common question among parents. While both conditions can involve motor difficulties and sensory challenges, they are distinct. Understanding these differences helps you secure the right support early. Cadabam’s CDC is here to guide you every step of the way.
1. Quick Overview: Autism vs Developmental Coordination Disorder
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
- Neurodevelopmental condition present from early childhood
- Impacts social communication, behaviour patterns, and sensory processing
- Varies widely—hence “spectrum”—from mild to severe traits
- Diagnosed through behavioural observation and developmental history
What Is Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD/Dyspraxia)?
- Also called Dyspraxia or motor clumsiness
- Affects gross & fine motor planning—running, writing, tying shoes
- No primary social-communication deficits (unlike autism)
- Diagnosis centres on motor skill delay despite adequate learning opportunities
2. Signs & Symptoms at a Glance
Key Signs of Autism
- Limited eye contact or joint attention
- Delayed speech or echolalia (repeating phrases)
- Repetitive movements—hand flapping, lining toys
- Sensory seeking/avoiding—loud-noise distress, texture aversion
- Strict routines; distress at change
Key Signs of DCD
- Clumsy gait, frequent trips or falls
- Difficulty with buttons, zippers, handwriting
- Struggles with ball skills—catching, kicking
- Slow to learn new motor tasks, e.g., riding a bike
- Avoids PE or playground games to hide challenges
3. Overlap & Why Misdiagnosis Happens
Motor Challenges in Both Conditions
- Up to 80 % of autistic children show motor coordination delays
- Children with DCD may appear withdrawn on playgrounds, mimicking social avoidance seen in autism
Sensory Processing Similarities
- Sensory seeking/avoiding behaviours can occur in DCD
- Distractibility due to sensory overload may look like autism’s attention issues These overlaps can lead clinicians to focus on one condition while overlooking the other.
4. Core Differences Between Autism and DCD
| Aspect | Autism | DCD |
|---|---|---|
| Social-Communication | Persistent deficits—limited back-and-forth conversation, reduced sharing | Typical social interest; struggles arise from motor clumsiness, not intent |
| Motor Skill Profile | Uneven—may excel at fine detail tasks, poor at gross coordination | Global motor delay—gross & fine equally affected |
| Cognitive & Executive Function | May show rigid thinking, intense narrow interests | Planning/organising issues tied to motor sequencing, not cognitive rigidity |
5. Can a Child Have Both Autism and DCD?
Prevalence & Research Findings
- Studies show 20–50 % overlap between ASD and DCD
- Dual diagnosis linked to greater academic and self-care difficulties
Impact on Daily Functioning
- Handwriting becomes doubly hard—motor planning plus sensory sensitivity
- PE participation limited, affecting peer relationships
- Self-esteem dips without tailored support Cadabam’s CDC routinely screens for both to avoid missed diagnoses.
6. Diagnostic Process at Cadabam’s Child Development Center
What to Expect During Assessment
- 90-minute parent interview covering milestones, sensory, social & motor history
- Standardised tools: ADOS-2 for autism, MABC-2 or Movement ABC for DCD
- Classroom observation via video or school visit
Specialists Involved
- Developmental paediatrician
- Child psychologist
- Occupational therapist
- Physiotherapist when gross-motor red flags appear A multidisciplinary team ensures accurate differential diagnosis between Autism vs Developmental Coordination Disorder.
7. Therapy Approaches for Each Condition
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for Autism
- Builds communication skills, flexibility, and social reciprocity
- Uses positive reinforcement to reduce challenging behaviours
- Parent training modules provided at Cadabam’s CDC
Occupational & Physiotherapy for DCD
- Task-specific practice: handwriting, dressing, ball skills
- Gross-motor coaching: balance boards, trampoline work
- Home exercise programs with video demos via our app
Integrated Plans for Comorbid ASD + DCD
- Sensory integration sessions combined with ABA
- Social motor groups: turn-taking games that blend coordination and interaction
- School collaboration for seating, PE modifications, and extra time for written tasks