Behavioural Therapy for Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) at Cadabams CDC
Watching your child struggle to button a shirt, ride a bike or keep up in PE can feel overwhelming. If everyday movements look clumsy or slow, behavioural therapy for developmental coordination disorder (DCD) can turn frustration into confidence. At Cadabams CDC, our child-first programme blends task-oriented training, cognitive strategies and parent partnership so that kids move better, feel better and do better at school.
What Is Behavioural Therapy for DCD?
Behavioural therapy for DCD is a structured, goal-driven approach that teaches the brain and body to work together. Instead of waiting for a child to “grow out of” motor difficulties, we give them concrete skills and habits that make movement automatic and stress-free.
How Behavioural Therapy Helps Kids with Developmental Coordination Disorder
- Breaks complex tasks into small, achievable steps
- Builds neural pathways through repetitive, successful practice
- Reduces anxiety by showing the child they can improve
- Transfers new skills to real-life settings—classroom, playground, home
Core Techniques Used in DCD Behavioural Therapy
- Task-oriented training – practise the exact skill needed (e.g., tying laces).
- Cognitive behavioural strategies – replace “I can’t” thoughts with “I’m learning”.
- Sensory integration – help the brain organise touch, balance and body-position cues.
- Executive-function coaching – plan, start and finish tasks without meltdowns.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Behavioural Therapy
Early action prevents secondary problems like low self-esteem or school refusal. Look for these clues between ages 4 and 12.
Motor Skill Delays to Watch For
- Still tripping over nothing, bumping into furniture
- Difficulty holding a pencil, cutting with scissors or using utensils
- Avoids sports; lags behind peers in races or ball games
- Learns new dance steps or yoga poses slower than classmates
Emotional & Behavioural Red Flags
- Tears or tantrums before PE or handwriting tasks
- Says “I’m stupid” or “My hands don’t listen”
- Refuses sleepovers because they can’t dress quickly next morning
- Reports stomach-aches on days with craft or sports activities
Our Step-by-Step Behavioural Therapy Process
Cadabams CDC follows a four-phase pathway designed for steady, measurable gains.
Initial Assessment & Goal Setting
- 90-minute standardised motor test (Movement ABC-2)
- Parent interview on daily challenges and family priorities
- Child-friendly chat to set their personal goal (e.g., “score one basket”)
Individualised Therapy Plan
- Short-term targets (3-week blocks)
- 1:1 or small-group format, 45 min, twice weekly
- Home-prime list: 5-minute daily games sent via WhatsApp video
Parent & School Collaboration
- Teacher toolkit: seating tips, pencil-grip aids, extra time on tests
- Monthly parent coaching call to tweak rewards and routines
- Shared digital diary so everyone tracks the same goals
Progress Tracking & Adjustments
- Re-test motor scores every 10 weeks
- Celebrate wins with “I did it” certificates
- Adjust challenge level; introduce new skills like cycling or keyboarding
Therapy Techniques We Use
We pick the best mix from evidence-based approaches so sessions stay fun and functional.
Task-Oriented Training
- Practise real tasks: pouring water, packing school bag, zipping jacket
- Use video modelling—kids watch then copy successful peers
- Gradually fade adult prompts until the skill is independent
Cognitive Behavioural Strategies
- Thought cards: swap “I’m clumsy” for “My brain is training”
- Breathing star before tricky tasks to lower heart-rate
- Reward charts shaped to the child’s passion (dinosaurs, space, unicorns)
Sensory Integration Activities
- Obstacle courses with swings, trampolines and textured paths
- Heavy-work breaks (wall pushes, crab walks) to calm and focus
- Chewy tubes or vibrating pencils for kids who seek oral/touch input
Executive Function Coaching
- Colour-coded checklists for morning routine
- Time-timer visuals to finish homework before play
- “Stop-Plan-Do-Check” script for multi-step crafts
Support at Home & School
Therapy gains stick only when environments reinforce them. Here’s how we help you help your child.
Home Exercises & Routines
- 5-minute “animal walks” before homework wakes up core muscles
- Cooking tasks: stirring, sprinkling cheese—tasty shoulder work!
- Weekend family challenge: build Lego set together, taking turns to read instructions
Classroom Accommodations
- Slant board to reduce wrist strain during writing
- Pre-sharpened pencils and a second set of books at home
- Allow typing for lengthy assignments; focus on ideas, not penmanship
Teacher & Parent Training
- 30-minute Zoom inset for staff on DCD-friendly PE adaptations
- Printed cue cards: “Start instructions with the end picture”
- Parent WhatsApp group moderated by our therapist—share wins, ask questions 24×7