Paediatric Neurologists for Developmental Coordination Disorder
Watching your child struggle to tie shoelaces, ride a bike, or hold a pencil can be worrying. If these motor difficulties are ongoing and affect daily life, developmental coordination disorder (DCD) may be the cause. At Cadabams CDC, our paediatric neurologists for developmental coordination disorder combine deep brain-behaviour knowledge with child-friendly assessments to uncover the neurological roots of clumsiness and build clear, practical treatment plans.
Why Choose a Paediatric Neurologist for DCD?
Understanding the Neurological Basis of DCD
DCD is more than “being a little awkward.” Functional MRI studies show subtle differences in the cerebellum, parietal lobe, and basal ganglia—areas that plan, time, and execute movement. A paediatric neurologist interprets these patterns alongside clinical signs, ensuring the label “clumsy” is replaced with a precise medical picture.
Advantages of Specialised Neurological Care
- Accurate diagnosis: Rules out mimics like mild cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or sensory processing issues.
- Brain-based therapy goals: Targets neural pathways (e.g., cerebellar plasticity) rather than just muscle strength.
- Seizure & medication screening: Identifies co-existing conditions early using tools like
EEGor genetic panels. - Long-term monitoring: Tracks developmental brain changes into adolescence with serial assessments.
Signs Your Child May Need a Neurological Evaluation
Early Motor Red Flags (Ages 3-6)
Watch for:
- Late crawling or walking (>18 months)
- Frequent tripping or bumping into furniture
- Difficulty with
fine-motor tasks(stacking blocks, using scissors) - Trouble copying simple shapes (circle, square)
School-Age Challenges (Ages 6-12)
- Illegible handwriting despite practice
- Avoidance of
PEor playground games - Excessive fatigue after short physical tasks
- Emotional outbursts linked to motor frustration
When to Seek a Referral: If teachers note “motor delay” or tasks take twice as long as peers, request a Movement ABC-2 assessment. Early intervention improves neurodevelopmental trajectories.
Our Comprehensive DCD Assessment Process
Step 1: Detailed Neuro-Developmental History
We gather data via:
- Parent questionnaires (
ASQ-3) - Clinician interviews (birth history, milestones)
- Genetic/family risk analysis
Step 2: Standardised Motor Tests
Movement ABC-2: Balance, manual dexterity, ball skillsBOT-2: Fine/gross motor precision- In-office tasks: Puzzle assembly, ball-throwing observation
Step 3: Differential Diagnosis
Advanced tools (e.g., MRI, EMG) deployed only if red flags emerge (asymmetrical reflexes, focal weakness).
Evidence-Based Treatment Pathways
Individualised Therapy Plans
Goals follow SMART criteria:
Example: “Tie shoes within 3 minutes within 8 weeks” for a 9-year-old.
Integration of Therapies
Cadabams CDC facilities combine:
- Occupational therapy: Handwriting drills with adaptive tools (e.g.,
weighted pencils) - Physical therapy: Balance boards,
Wii Fitgames
Progress tracked via shareddigital dashboards.
Parent Training & Home Programs
- 5–10 minute daily drills (e.g., coin stacking, taped-line walking)
- Custom app with video demos and reminders (
DCDHomeCoach)
Meet Our Paediatric Neurology Team
- Credentials: Board-certified with
FAANPsubspecialty in developmental neurodisability - Collaboration: Fortnightly case conferences with therapists and educators
Success Stories & Parent Tips
Case Study: 7-Year-Old with Severe DCD
After 8 months of rhythmic auditory stimulation and Wii-based therapy, Arjun improved motor scores by 42% and joined peers in playground games.
Parent Strategies
- Break tasks: “Shoe on → Tongue out → Lace cross”
- Use visual timers (
Time Timer®) for task transitions - Reward effort (“I saw how hard you tried!”)