Child Psychiatrist for Developmental Coordination Disorder – Cadabam’s Child Development Center
If your child trips often, struggles with buttons, and erupts in tears when asked to join sports, you may be facing more than “clumsiness.” Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) can mask itself as ordinary growing pains yet quietly erode confidence and learning. At Cadabams CDC, our child psychiatrist for developmental coordination disorder brings medical expertise together with compassion, helping families turn frustration into forward momentum.
Why Choose a Child Psychiatrist for Developmental Coordination Disorder?
Distinguishing DCD from Other Neurodevelopmental Conditions
DCD symptoms—poor balance, messy handwriting, avoidance of physical games—overlap with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and learning disabilities. A child psychiatrist:
- Uses standardized motor assessments (Movement ABC-2, Bruininks–Oseretsky Test)
- Reviews emotional regulation patterns that pure motor tests miss
- Rules out or identifies comorbid conditions so treatment is precise
Role of Psychiatry in Managing Co-occurring Anxiety, ADHD & Mood Issues
Roughly 50 % of children with DCD have ADHD, and 30 % report anxiety or depressive symptoms. Our psychiatrist:
- Medication review for ADHD or anxiety when non-pharmacological steps are insufficient
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) scripts tailored to low frustration tolerance
- Family guidance to lower household stress that amplifies motor mistakes
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Psychiatric Evaluation
Look for these red flags—especially when they appear together:
- Motor milestone delays paired with emotional outbursts Late crawling, frequent tantrums when dressing, throwing scissors in art class
- School refusal & social struggles linked to DCD Feels “stupid” on the playground, refuses PE, starts stomach-aches on Sunday night
- Sleep or feeding difficulties stemming from frustration Takes 45 minutes to eat because holding a spoon is hard; wakes at 3 AM replaying the day’s mistakes If two or more of these resonate, consider a child psychiatrist developmental coordination disorder evaluation.
Our Comprehensive Psychiatric Assessment Process
At Cadabams CDC, every journey begins with clarity.
Step 1: Developmental History & Parent Interview
- 40-minute conversation covering pregnancy, early milestones, family mental-health history
- Questionnaires (Conners 3, SCAS, SDQ) sent via secure portal before your visit
Step 2: Standardised Motor & Cognitive Testing
- On-site occupational therapist conducts Movement ABC-2 and Beery VMI
- Child psychiatrist observes emotional reactions during testing (tearfulness, self-blame)
Step 3: Screening for ADHD, ASD, Anxiety & Depression
- ADOS-2 and SRS-2 for ASD, if indicated
- Vanderbilt scales for ADHD
- RCADS for anxiety/depression Results are discussed the same week, so you leave with a clear diagnostic map.
Tailored Treatment Plans Offered
Every plan is as unique as your child.
- Medication Management for Comorbid ADHD or Anxiety Low-dose stimulant or non-stimulant options, plus monitoring for growth and sleep
- Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for DCD-related Frustration 8–12 sessions teaching “thought–feeling–behaviour” chains, gradual exposure to PE class
- Family Psycho-education & Parent Coaching Monthly webinars on “how to praise the process, not the performance,” WhatsApp support group moderated by our team
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
How Child Psychiatrists Work with Occupational & Physical Therapists
- Shared goal sheets: e.g., “do up three buttons within 60 seconds without tears”
- Medication timing aligned with OT sessions for maximum focus
School Consultation & IEP/504 Plan Support
- We draft specific accommodations: extra time, typing instead of handwriting, no penalty for messy worksheets
- Attend IEP meetings virtually or in person within Bangalore schools
Regular Progress Monitoring & Plan Adjustments
- Review every 6 weeks; growth charts, teacher feedback, parent mood scales guide tweaks
- Data shared through Cadabams CDC parent portal—no surprises
What to Expect During Your First Visit
Pre-appointment Preparation Checklist
- Upload school report cards and any previous therapy notes
- Bring a short video (1–2 min) of your child attempting tricky tasks—shoe tying, cycling
- Fill diet-sleep logs 3 days prior
Typical Duration & Structure of Consultation
- Total time: 60–75 minutes
- 10 min warm-up with child
- 30 min parent interview
- 20 min child assessment games
- 10 min next-step planning
Questions We Will Ask & Paperwork Needed
- Birth history, early walking, family mental-health background
- Paperwork: Aadhaar of parent, child’s vaccination card, two passport-size photos for file creation