Group Therapy for Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Parent’s Guide to Cadabams CDC
Watching your child struggle to keep up on the playground or avoid PE class is heart-breaking. Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects 5–6 % of school-age children, yet many parents feel alone. The good news: group therapy for developmental coordination disorder turns difficulty into discovery—helping kids master skills alongside peers who “get it.” At Cadabams CDC, our evidence-based groups blend occupational therapy, playful challenges, and emotional support so children move better, feel braver, and make friends.
What Is Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)?
DCD is a neuro-developmental condition that makes planning and executing movements hard. It is not caused by low intelligence or muscle weakness; rather, the brain and body struggle to communicate smoothly.
Key signs parents notice
- Clumsy pencil grip and slow handwriting
- Trouble tying shoelaces or buttoning shirts
- Frequent tripping, bumping into furniture, or dropping objects
- Avoidance of sports or playground games Early identification matters—untreated DCD can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and academic under-achievement.
Why Group Therapy Works for DCD
Research shows that children learn motor skills faster when they copy peers. Group settings add friendly competition, turn-taking, and natural encouragement—ingredients missing in one-to-one sessions.
Benefits of group intervention
- Mirror neurons fire: kids watch and imitate successful movements.
- Social motivation: no one wants to be left out of the relay race.
- Emotional normalisation: “I’m not the only clumsy one!”
- Cost-effective: more therapy hours for the same budget. Cadabams CDC caps each group at six children so every participant receives individual feedback within the shared fun.
Core Components of Cadabams CDC Group Sessions
Our occupational therapists design 60-minute sessions that feel like play but target specific motor-planning goals.
Structured flow
- Warm-up sensorimotor game (5 min)
- Fine-motor circuit e.g., Lego tower race (15 min)
- Gross-motor obstacle course (15 min)
- Cooperative task e.g., parachute launch (10 min)
- Cool-down reflection & sticker reward (5 min) We use strength-based language—“Your rocket legs helped you jump farther today!”—to build confidence alongside coordination.
How to Prepare Your Child for Group Therapy
Parents often worry their child will refuse to attend. A few simple steps ease first-day jitters.
Practical tips
- Visit the centre beforehand; let your child meet the therapist and explore the colourful gym.
- Pack favourite trainers with Velcro—easy on, easy off.
- Share a “social story” the night before: short sentences plus photos of the building, gym, and other smiling kids.
- Celebrate small wins: “You walked through the door—that’s bravery in action.” Remember, tears at drop-off are normal; our staff are trained in gentle separation techniques.
Measuring Progress: Goals & Milestones
Therapy is only meaningful when progress is tracked. Cadabams CDC uses the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (Movement ABC-2) at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks.
Sample goals
- Button 3 buttons in 30 seconds (fine-motor)
- Catch a tennis ball with two hands 4/5 times (gross-motor)
- Initiate playground conversation with 1 peer (social) Parents receive a visual dashboard—think traffic-light colours—so you know exactly where your child is thriving and where extra practice helps.