Occupational Therapy Services for Kids with Developmental Coordination Disorder –
At Cadabams CDC, we understand how worried parents feel when everyday tasks become overwhelming for their child. Our occupational therapist for developmental coordination disorder works closely with families to turn frustration into confidence and clumsiness into capability. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know—explained in plain language—about DCD, therapy options, and how to get started.
What Is Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)?
Early Signs and Diagnosis
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how well children plan and carry out movements. Common early signs include:
- Frequent tripping or bumping into objects
- Struggling with buttons, shoelaces, or zippers
- Avoidance of sports or playground games
- Slow, messy handwriting and difficulty copying from the board A paediatrician or developmental specialist usually confirms DCD after ruling out other medical issues. The diagnosis relies on standardised motor skill assessments and reports from parents and teachers.
Impact on Daily Life and Learning
Untreated DCD can ripple into every area of a child’s life:
- Academic delays: Slow writing affects test performance.
- Low self-esteem: Children may compare themselves to peers and withdraw.
- Family stress: Morning routines and homework take longer, creating tension. Early, targeted support from an occupational therapist for developmental coordination disorder reduces these risks and builds healthy habits for life.
Role of Occupational Therapy in DCD Treatment
Evidence-Based Interventions
Research shows that task-specific, goal-oriented therapy significantly improves motor outcomes. At Cadabams CDC we follow:
- CO-OP (Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance)
- NDT (Neuro-Developmental Treatment)
- Sensory Integration frameworks All methods are adapted to your child’s age, interests, and learning style.
Fine and Gross Motor Skill Development
We break big goals into bite-sized milestones:
- Fine motor: Pinch strength for pencil grip, scissor control, and typing.
- Gross motor: Balance, running, jumping, and ball skills. Each activity is disguised as play to keep motivation high.
Sensory Integration Strategies
Many children with DCD also have sensory processing challenges. Our therapists use:
- Swings and trampolines for vestibular input
- Weighted blankets or chewable jewellery for proprioceptive feedback
- Noise-reducing headphones for auditory sensitivity
Our Occupational Therapy Approach
Comprehensive Assessment Process
Your first visit includes:
- Parent interview covering birth history, milestones, and daily routines.
- Standardised tests such as the Movement ABC-2 and Beery VMI.
- Classroom or home observation via video or school visit. Results are shared the same day in an easy-to-read report.
Individualised Treatment Plans
No two children are alike. After assessment, we design a plan with:
- 2–3 measurable goals (e.g., “Tie shoes in under 2 minutes”).
- Weekly 45-minute sessions in blocks of 12 weeks.
- Clear home exercises with photo guides and QR-code videos.
Parent & School Collaboration
We believe therapy should continue beyond our walls. That’s why we:
- Train parents and teachers in simple cueing techniques.
- Provide laminated “motor break” cards for classroom use.
- Host quarterly review meetings—online or on-site—to update goals.
Core Therapy Techniques We Use
Task-Oriented Training
We select real-life tasks your child needs, such as:
- Packing a school bag within a set time.
- Spreading jam on bread without spilling. Repetition and incremental challenges build automaticity.
Motor Planning Exercises
Games like “Obstacle Course Detective” help kids:
- Visualise movements before acting.
- Sequence steps efficiently.
- Improve reaction time.
Daily Living Skills Coaching
From brushing teeth to using a lunchbox, we break tasks into steps and practice them in our ADL (Activities of Daily Living) mock room.
Assistive Technology Guidance
If handwriting remains slow, we trial:
- Pencil grips and weighted pens.
- Keyboard alternatives like AlphaSmart or iPad dictation.
- Apps for visual schedules and timers.
In-Center & Online Therapy Options
On-Site Therapy Sessions
Our child-friendly centre in Bangalore has:
- Sensory gyms with crash mats and climbing walls.
- Quiet rooms for focused fine-motor work.
- Secure parent lounge with Wi-Fi and refreshments.
Tele-OT Support for Remote Areas
Can’t travel? We offer secure Zoom sessions where therapists:
- Guide parents in setting up mini obstacle courses.
- Demonstrate hand-strengthening games using household items.
- Monitor progress via weekly video uploads.
Home Program Kits
Each kit contains:
- Resistance bands and therapy putty.
- Laminated exercise cards.
- Access code for our private YouTube channel with 50+ demo videos.
Progress Tracking & Milestone Reviews
Standardised Assessments
Every 12 weeks we repeat selected tests to quantify gains in:
- Speed of task completion.
- Quality of movement patterns.
Parent Progress Reports
A concise one-page report lands in your inbox, covering:
- Goal achievement percentage.
- Next-step recommendations.
Goal Adjustment Meetings
If your child masters a goal early, we celebrate and set a new one. If challenges persist, we tweak techniques or frequency.