Developmental Coordination Disorder Short Form | Cadabams CDC
If your child often trips over thin air, struggles to hold a pencil, or seems “clumsy” compared with peers, you may have heard the term developmental coordination disorder short form (DCD). This article gives parents the facts—what DCD is, how it’s diagnosed, and the proven steps Cadabams CDC uses to help children thrive.
What Is Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD/Dyspraxia)?
Quick Definition in Plain Language
Developmental coordination disorder short form (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that makes everyday movements—like tying shoes, riding a bike, or writing—harder than expected for a child’s age and intelligence. It is not caused by low muscle strength or another medical problem; the brain simply has trouble planning and carrying out smooth, coordinated actions.
Dyspraxia vs. DCD: Are They the Same?
- Dyspraxia is an older, informal term still used by many parents and teachers.
- DCD is the official medical label used by doctors and therapists today.
- Both refer to the same cluster of motor-planning difficulties.
How Common Is This Coordination Disorder in Children?
- Affects 5–6 % of school-age children worldwide.
- Boys and girls are equally likely to have DCD, though boys are diagnosed more often.
- Early recognition and therapy can cut later academic and social struggles by up to 50 %.
Early Signs & Symptoms of DCD in Children
Motor Milestone Delays to Watch For
- Late sitting (after 9 months), crawling (after 12 months), or walking (after 18 months).
- Difficulty stacking blocks, using scissors, or drawing simple shapes by age 4–5.
- Frequent bumping into furniture or dropping objects.
Day-to-Day Difficulties at Home & School
- Morning routine: Buttons, zippers, shoelaces take twice as long.
- Classroom: Handwriting is slow or illegible; child avoids PE or art.
- Playground: Trouble hopping, skipping, or catching a ball; prefers sedentary games.
Emotional & Social Impact on the Child
- Low self-esteem: “I’m bad at everything.”
- Anxiety before sports day or handwriting tests.
- Fewer friendships because group games feel overwhelming.
Causes & Risk Factors Behind Developmental Coordination Disorder
Known Biological and Birth-Related Causes
- Prematurity (born before 37 weeks) or low birth weight.
- Complications during delivery that reduce oxygen to the brain.
- Differences in brain wiring seen on imaging—especially the cerebellum and motor cortex.
Environmental & Genetic Contributors
- Family history: 30–50 % of children with DCD have a close relative with similar motor issues.
- Maternal smoking or alcohol use during pregnancy.
- Limited “tummy time” in infancy may add to motor-planning challenges.
Myths vs. Evidence-Based Facts
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| “Bad parenting causes clumsiness.” | DCD is biologically based, not caused by lack of discipline. |
| “Children will outgrow it naturally.” | Without therapy, 70 % still struggle as teens. |
| “It’s just laziness.” | Brain scans show measurable differences in motor planning areas. |
How Is DCD Diagnosed? Step-by-Step Process
Screening Tools and Checklists
- DCD-Q’07 (parent/teacher questionnaire) flags motor concerns.
- Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) scores balance, manual dexterity, and ball skills.
Standardized Motor Tests Used in Clinics
- BOT-2 (Bruininks-Oseretsky Test) for fine and gross motor skills.
- VMI (Beery-Buktenica) to check how well eyes and hands work together.
When to Seek a Professional Evaluation
- Red flags: Child is >2 years behind peers in motor skills and it interferes with daily life.
- Best age: 5–8 years, when motor gaps are clearer yet brain is still highly adaptable.
- Cadabams CDC tip: Bring schoolwork samples and a short video of your child playing or writing to the first appointment.
Evidence-Based Treatment & Therapy Options
Occupational Therapy Goals for Coordination
- Grading tasks: Start with large beads, move to tiny Lego pieces.
- Sensory integration: Swings, trampolines to improve body awareness.
- Handwriting without Tears program for legible, pain-free writing.
Physiotherapy & Motor-Skill Training
- Core strengthening: “Superman” poses and animal walks.
- Balance games: Standing on one foot while tossing a beanbag.
- Task-specific training: Practising bike riding in 10-minute daily bursts.
Role of Psychological Support for Self-Esteem
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) to challenge “I’m no good” thoughts.
- Social-skills groups where children rehearse playground games in a safe space.
- Parent coaching to praise effort, not just outcome.
Home Strategies to Support Your Child Daily
Simple Movement Games That Help
- Obstacle course: Crawl under chairs, hop over cushions—5 minutes after school.
- Cooking tasks: Stirring, pouring, and sprinkling toppings build wrist control.
- Mirror dancing: Copy each other’s moves to boost body awareness.
School Accommodations & IEP Tips
- Extra time on written tests.
- Use of laptop instead of longhand for essays.
- Seating near the door to reduce bumping in crowded aisles.
Building Confidence & Independence
- Chore chart with pictures: success in small tasks (feeding pet, setting table) raises self-worth.
- Celebrate micro-wins: “You buttoned your shirt in 2 minutes today—high five!”
- Peer buddy system: Pair your child with a supportive classmate during PE.
Prognosis & Long-Term Outlook
Can Children Outgrow DCD?
- Motor skills improve with therapy, but subtle difficulties may remain.
- Early intervention (before age 7) doubles the chance of age-appropriate skills by adolescence.
Teenage & Adult Challenges to Expect
- Driving: Extra lessons focusing on steering and parking.
- Workplace: Typing or assembly-line tasks may need ergonomic tweaks.
- Mental health: Continued CBT helps manage anxiety and perfectionism.
Success Stories & Motivation
- Arjun, age 9: Could barely hold a pencil; after 6 months of OT at Cadabams CDC, he wrote a 2-page story for class.
- Meera, age 15: Went from avoiding sports to becoming her school’s throw-ball team manager—using her strategic mind while teammates handled the catching.