Child & Adolescent Psychiatry for Developmental Coordination Disorder – Cadabams CDC
Watching your child struggle to button a shirt, ride a bike or keep up in PE can be worrying. When these motor difficulties are coupled with anxiety, low self-esteem or school refusal, parents need answers—and hope. Cadabams CDC offers specialist Child and Adolescent Psychiatry for developmental coordination disorder (DCD) that looks at both moving and feeling, so children can thrive at home, in class and on the playground.
What Is Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)?
**Definition & Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-5)**
The DSM-5 classifies DCD as a neuro-developmental motor disorder marked by:
• Acquisition and execution of coordinated motor skills substantially below age level
• Onset in the early developmental period
• Significant interference with daily living and academic productivity
• Motor deficits not better explained by intellectual disability or neurological condition
**Common Signs & Symptoms in Children**
Parents usually notice:
• Clumsy gait, frequent tripping or bruises
• Difficulty with buttons, zippers, cutlery
• Illegible handwriting, slow copying from board
• Avoidance of sports or playground games
• Fatigue after fine-motor tasks (e.g., colouring one page)
**How DCD Differs from Other Motor Delays**
Unlike cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, DCD is not progressive and shows no clear neurological lesion. It is also distinct from general developmental delay because intelligence is typically average or above, yet motor execution lags by at least two years.
Why Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Matters for DCD
**Link Between Motor Difficulties & Mental Health**
Studies show 30–50 % of children with DCD develop anxiety, depression or behavioural problems. Repeated failure experiences wire the brain for threat, not reward.
**Early Detection Prevents Long-Term Health Difficulties**
Untreated co-existing mental health issues can snowball into chronic absenteeism, substance misuse or self-harm in adolescence. Early psychiatric screening flags these risks.
**Role of Psychiatry in Holistic DCD Management**
Our child psychiatrists decode whether inattention stems from primary ADHD or from frustration with motor tasks. Accurate diagnosis guides therapy, medication (when needed) and classroom accommodations under one cohesive plan.
Our Child Psychiatry Services for DCD
**Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment**
• Developmental history with standardised questionnaires (DCDQ, Movement ABC-2)
• Psychiatric interview with parent and child separately
• Cognitive testing to rule out additional learning disorders
**Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team**
Psychiatrists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and special educators meet weekly to share findings—no fragmented referrals.
**Evidence-Based Therapy Options**
CBT, parent-management training, mindfulness groups and, if indicated, low-dose medication for comorbid anxiety or ADHD.
**School & Home-Based Support Plans**
We draft IEP goals, pencil-grip adaptations, keyboarding permits and break cards, then train teachers via Zoom or on-site workshops.
Treatment Approaches We Offer
**Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety & Depression**
8–12 individual sessions help children reframe “I’m bad at sports” into “I’m learning new skills at my pace.”
**Occupational Therapy Coordination**
Our OTs weave sensory-integration exercises with psychiatric desensitisation, so a child can both tolerate noisy gyms and feel confident trying.
**Parent Training & Family Therapy**
Two-hour monthly groups teach scaffolding: how to break tasks into micro-steps and reward effort, not outcome.
**Social Skills Groups for Children**
6-week modules use role-play and cooperative Lego® tasks to practise turn-taking, reducing isolation often reported in kids with developmental coordination disorder.
Benefits of Choosing Cadabams CDC
**Specialized Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists**
Every psychiatrist completes additional rotations in neuro-developmental disorders, ensuring up-to-date DCD protocols.
**Integrated Care Under One Roof**
Assessment, therapy, OT, remedial education and parent counselling happen in the same corridor—no city-hopping.
**Proven Track Record with Developmental Disorders**
Over 1,200 children with motor-plus-mood profiles treated in the last five years; 85 % showed improved SDQ (Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire) scores within six months.
**Family-Centered Approach**
Grandparents, siblings and even sports coaches are invited to formulation meetings, building a circle of support around the child.
Success Stories
**Case Study: 8-Year-Old with DCD and Anxiety**
Arjun* could not cycle or write within margins. After three months of combined CBT and OT at Cadabams CDC, he scored in the average range on the Movement ABC-2 and joined his school skating club.
**Parent Testimonial: Improved School Participation**
“Therapists taught us to celebrate small wins—like tying shoelaces. Last week my daughter organised her school bag alone for the first time.” – Mrs. L, Bangalore
**Long-Term Outcomes in Adolescents**
A five-year follow-up of 73 clients showed lower rates of school dropout (5 %) compared to national DCD samples (18 %).