Developmental Coordination Disorder in Children | Cadabams CDC
If your child is clumsier than peers, struggles with buttons, or avoids sports, you may be seeing developmental coordination disorder (DCD), also called dyspraxia. This guide explains the condition, shows how early help changes outcomes, and outlines the step-by-step support available at Cadabams CDC.
What Is Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD/Dyspraxia)?
Definition & Key Facts
- DCD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the planning and execution of coordinated movements.
- Affects 5–6% of school-aged children, boys and girls equally.
- Symptoms persist for at least four months and interfere with daily life.
- Intelligence is not impaired, but motor challenges can impact learning and confidence.
Dyspraxia vs. Other Motor Disorders
| Feature | DCD/Dyspraxia | Cerebral Palsy | Muscular Dystrophy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muscle tone | Normal | Altered | Weak |
| Progression | Stable | May change over time | Progressive |
| Cause | Neurodevelopmental | Brain damage | Genetic muscle disease |
Early Signs & Symptoms in Children
Motor Skill Red Flags
- Toddler years: Late sitting, crawling, walking; frequent falls.
- Preschool: Difficulty stacking blocks, using crayons, jumping with both feet.
- School age: Messy handwriting, trouble cutting with scissors, inability to tie shoelaces.
Academic & Social Impact
- Slow writing leads to unfinished tests.
- PE class avoidance affects friendships and self-esteem.
- Fatigue from extra effort to complete simple tasks.
When to Seek Help
Trust your instincts. If your child is behind peers in two or more motor areas, book an evaluation at Cadabams CDC before secondary issues like anxiety set in.
Causes & Risk Factors
Genetic & Prenatal Influences
- Family history of DCD or ADHD increases risk.
- Premature birth, low birth weight, prenatal alcohol exposure add vulnerability.
Brain Development Factors
Subtle differences in parietal lobe and cerebellum wiring affect motor planning and timing.
Co-occurring Conditions
- 50% have ADHD.
- 30% have speech or language delays.
- 20% have sensory processing difficulties.
Diagnostic Process at Cadabams CDC
Step-by-Step Evaluation
- Parent interview covering pregnancy, milestones, school reports.
- Direct observation of gross- and fine-motor tasks.
- Standardized assessments (see next section).
- Multidisciplinary team meeting to confirm diagnosis and rule out other causes.
Tools & Assessments Used
- Movement ABC-2 (ages 3–16)
- DCDQ’07 parent questionnaire
- Sensory Profile-2 when sensory issues co-exist
How to Prepare Your Child
- Explain the visit as “special games to see how your body moves.”
- Bring school notebooks and PE report cards.
- Ensure a good night’s sleep and a light snack beforehand.
Evidence-Based Treatment & Therapy Options
Occupational Therapy
- Goal: Improve daily skills—dressing, writing, tool use.
- Methods: Task-specific training, fine-motor circuits, adaptive equipment trials.
- Parent tip: Home practice sheets sent weekly.
Physiotherapy
- Focus: Balance, strength, coordination.
- Tools: Swiss-ball exercises, obstacle courses, trampoline work.
- Outcome: Safer playground participation.
Speech & Language Support
- Needed when: Oral motor planning affects speech clarity or eating.
- Techniques: PROMPT cues, feeding therapy, social stories.
Parent Coaching Programs
- Weekly online modules on breaking tasks into steps.
- Live Q&A with therapists.
- Peer forums moderated by Cadabams CDC staff.
Success Stories
Before & After Therapy
- Arjun, age 7: Could not ride a bicycle. After 12 OT sessions, he cycles to school.
- Meera, age 9: Handwriting illegible. Post multi-sensory writing program, she writes a full page in 15 minutes.
Parent Testimonials
“Cadabams CDC turned our frustration into hope. Within months, our son was tying his shoes and scoring goals in football.”
— Mrs. Sharma, parent