Early Childhood Development for Developmental Coordination Disorder | Cadabam’s Child Development Center

1. Why Early Childhood Development Matters for DCD

What is Developmental Coordination Disorder in Early Childhood?

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a child’s ability to learn and execute coordinated movements. In early childhood, it appears as:

• Persistent clumsiness
• Difficulty with new motor tasks
• Struggles with self-care skills such as dressing or using utensils Unlike general “late blooming,” DCD symptoms remain consistent and can interfere with academic and social participation.

Short- and Long-Term Impact on Learning & Health

Untreated DCD can lead to:

• Learning challenges: poor handwriting, difficulty sitting still, fatigue
• Lower self-esteem: avoidance of sports or playground games
• Physical health issues: higher risk of obesity due to reduced activity Early Childhood DCD intervention at Cadabams CDC reduces these risks by strengthening neural pathways through repetitive, enjoyable movement experiences.

Evidence for Early Motor Skills Intervention

• A 2023 systematic review found that motor skills therapy started before age 6 yields three times greater improvement in coordination scores than later intervention.
• Neuroplasticity peaks between ages 2–6, making this the optimal window for therapy.

2. Signs & Symptoms to Watch For (Ages 2–6)

Gross Motor Red Flags

• Frequently trips or falls
• Difficulty jumping with both feet leaving the ground
• Unable to pedal a tricycle by age 4

Fine Motor & Self-Care Difficulties

• Struggles to hold crayons with a mature grip
• Buttons or zippers remain challenging past age 5
• Avoids puzzles or beads that require precise finger movements

When to Seek a Professional Assessment

If two or more red flags persist for three months, book a developmental screening at Cadabams CDC. Early diagnosis leads to earlier gains.

3. Our Early Childhood DCD Program

Step-by-Step Admission Process

1. Initial phone consultation (15 min)
2. In-depth assessment with occupational therapist & physiotherapist (90 min)
3. Goal-setting meeting with parents (30 min)
4. Personalised therapy plan delivered within 48 hours

Play-Based Therapy Modules

• Animal walks: bear crawls build shoulder stability
• Treasure hunts: fine-tune visual-motor planning
• Sensory circuits: swinging, crashing, spinning to integrate sensory input

Parent Coaching & Home Activity Plans

Each week, parents receive:

• A 5-minute video recap of therapy activities
• Printable play cards for home practice
• Monthly 30-minute live Q&A with our specialists

4. Evidence-Based Therapies We Use

Occupational Therapy for Fine Motor Skills

• Therapeutic fine-motor games
• Adaptive tool trials (special grips, scissors)

Pediatric Physiotherapy for Gross Motor Skills

• Balance beam routines
• Strength-building obstacle courses

Sensory Integration & Neurodevelopmental Techniques

• Swings, scooter boards, and weighted blankets to regulate sensory input
• NDT handling strategies to promote efficient movement patterns

5. Meet Our Early Childhood Specialists

All Cadabams CDC therapists hold:

• Master’s degrees in pediatric therapy
• Certification in Ayres Sensory Integration
• Ongoing quarterly training aligned with international best practices Our multidisciplinary team includes occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and developmental psychologists who meet weekly to review each child’s progress.

6. Program Schedule & Duration

Typical Weekly Timetable

Progress Milestones

• Week 4: Child completes a 3-step obstacle course independently
• Week 8: Improved pencil grip and scissor control
• Week 12: 30 % increase in BOT-2 motor scores for 85 % of children