Developmental Coordination Disorder Meaning – Complete Guide for Parents

Quick Definition: What Is Developmental Coordination Disorder?

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a chronic motor-skill condition where a child’s coordination is markedly below age expectations, and the difficulty is not caused by another medical or neurological condition. In short, the brain and body are not coordinating smoothly. Key points:

• Present from early childhood.
• Interferes with daily activities like dressing, writing, or riding a bike.
• Persists into adulthood if untreated.

DCD vs Dyspraxia: Are They the Same?

Parents often ask, “Is DCD the same as dyspraxia?”

• Dyspraxia is the older, broader term used in the UK and Australia.
• DCD is the clinical label now used worldwide (DSM-5 and ICD-11). Cadabams CDC uses “DCD” to align with global diagnostic standards.

How Common Is DCD in Children?

• 5–6 % of school-aged children worldwide meet criteria for DCD.
• Boys are slightly more affected than girls.
• Most cases are identified between ages 5 and 8, when school demands increase.

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Recognising the Signs & Symptoms

Early recognition leads to earlier support. Look for these red flags that go beyond “clumsiness.”

Early Motor Milestone Delays

• Late sitting, crawling, or walking (after 18 months).
• Difficulty stacking blocks or using a spoon at 18–24 months.
• Persistent drooling or messy eating past age 3.

Daily Living Difficulties

• Trouble tying shoes, fastening buttons, or using zippers.
• Frequently spills drinks or drops objects.
• Avoids playground equipment or bike riding.

School & Social Impact

• Messy, slow handwriting; avoids drawing or colouring.
• Poor organisation—losing supplies, forgetting homework.
• Teasing from peers; lower self-esteem and anxiety.

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Root Causes & Risk Factors

Experts agree DCD is neurodevelopmental, not due to laziness or poor parenting.

Neurological & Genetic Links

• Brain imaging shows differences in motor-planning regions.
• Family studies: 20 % of children with DCD have a first-degree relative with similar issues.
• Co-occurring genes linked to ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Environmental & Birth Factors

• Prematurity (born before 37 weeks) doubles the risk.
• Low birth-weight (< 2.5 kg).
• Prenatal exposure to alcohol or maternal stress hormones.

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How We Diagnose DCD at Cadabams CDC

Cadabams CDC follows a three-step, evidence-based process that respects your time and your child.

Step 1: Initial Screening Questionnaire

• Parent and teacher forms (5–10 min each).
• Screens for motor, attention, and emotional concerns.

Step 2: Standardised Motor Tests

• Movement ABC-2: Measures balance, manual dexterity, and ball skills.
• BOT-2: Fine- and gross-motor benchmarks against age norms.

Step 3: Multidisciplinary Team Review

• Paediatric occupational therapist, child psychologist, and special educator meet to confirm diagnosis and rule out other causes.
• Parents receive a written report within 7 days.

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Evidence-Based Treatment & Therapy Options

Early, targeted therapy can improve motor skills by 60–80 %. Cadabams CDC combines clinic sessions with home and school strategies.

Occupational Therapy Goals

• Handwriting boot camps using weighted pens and adaptive grips.
• Self-care routines: practice dressing frames and Velcro alternatives.
• Sensory integration swings and obstacle courses to build body awareness.

Physical Therapy Exercises

• Core-strength drills: animal walks, yoga poses (cat-camel, superman).
• Dynamic balance: balance-board games, hopscotch variations.
• Coordination circuits: ball-wall toss, skipping rope progressions.

Home & School Strategies

• Colour-coded timetables to reduce organisational stress.
• Chair with footrest for stable seating during writing tasks.
• PE alternatives: swimming, yoga, or dance classes with smaller groups.