Play Therapist for Developmental Coordination Disorder | Cadabams CDC
Watching your child struggle to climb stairs, hold a pencil, or keep up on the playground can leave you worried and unsure where to turn. A play therapist for developmental coordination disorder (DCD) turns everyday fun into targeted, expert-guided sessions that improve coordination, self-esteem and social connection. At Cadabams CDC, our play therapists weave evidence-based activities into games your child already loves—transforming frustration into progress one smile at a time.
Why Choose a Play Therapist for Developmental Coordination Disorder?
Child-Centered Benefits of Play Therapy for DCD
- Natural motivation: Children engage willingly because sessions feel like play, not “work.”
- Neuroplastic boost: Repetitive, enjoyable movements strengthen brain-muscle pathways.
- Confidence building: Success inside games is carried into classrooms and playgrounds.
- Holistic growth: Therapists track motor, emotional and social gains simultaneously.
How Play Therapy Complements OT and PT
Think of play therapy as the bridge between clinic exercises and real-world skills. While occupational therapy (OT) focuses on daily tasks and physical therapy (PT) on strength and balance, play therapy embeds these goals inside imaginative scenarios—so your child practices handwriting while “delivering mail,” or balance while “crossing lava.” The result is seamless carry-over at home and school.
Signs Your Child May Need DCD Play Therapy
Early Motor Red Flags
- Frequently bumps into furniture or peers
- Difficulty tying shoes, buttoning shirts or using scissors
- Avoids sports or PE classes
- Handwriting is slow, labored or illegible
Emotional & Social Impact of DCD
When motor milestones lag, self-esteem and friendships often follow. Watch for:
- Reluctance to join group games
- Frustration outbursts during crafts
- Comments like “I’m bad at everything” If any of these resonate, a developmental coordination disorder play therapy assessment can clarify next steps.
Our 3-Step Process to Start Play Therapy
1. Free 15-Minute Phone Consultation
Call us at Cadabams CDC. A senior clinician listens to your concerns, explains how play therapy works and answers questions—no obligation.
2. In-Person or Virtual Assessment
We evaluate your child’s fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing and social-emotional needs using standardized tools and playful tasks. Parents receive a clear, jargon-free report.
3. Matching With the Right Play Therapist
Based on personality, goals and schedule, we pair your child with a certified play therapist experienced in DCD treatment. Sessions can be at our child-friendly center or online.
Evidence-Based Play Therapy Techniques for DCD
Sensory-Motor Play Stations
Swings, trampolines and textured paths stimulate vestibular and proprioceptive systems while improving core stability. Each station is graded so your child meets “just-right” challenges.
Hand-Eye Coordination Games
- Bean-bag toss at superhero targets
- Fishing for magnetic letters to spell secret words
- Building LEGO models with increasingly tiny bricks
Story-Based Role Play for Confidence
Therapists script adventures—astronauts landing on Mars or chefs baking for royalty—requiring cutting, climbing and carrying. Every successful mission ends with a badge or certificate, reinforcing “I can do hard things.”