Rehabilitation Psychologist for Developmental Coordination Disorder
Looking for a rehabilitation psychologist for developmental coordination disorder (DCD)? At Cadabams CDC we turn clumsy movements into confident steps through science-led therapy plans designed for children, teens, and families across India.
Understanding Developmental Coordination Disorder
What is DCD?
Developmental Coordination Disorder is a chronic motor-skill condition affecting 5–6 % of school-goers. Children with DCD have difficulty planning, sequencing, and executing movements despite normal intelligence and muscle strength. Early identification prevents secondary anxiety, low self-esteem, and academic gaps.
Signs & Symptoms in Children
Watch for these red flags after age 5:
- Frequent tripping, bumping, or dropped objects
- Slow, effortful dressing, buttoning, or cutlery use
- Illegible handwriting and poor spacing
- Avoidance of sports, PE, or playground games
- Frustration when copying from the blackboard
Impact on Daily Life
Untreated DCD can cascade into:
- Academic under-achievement due to slow writing
- Social isolation and bullying
- Family stress around mealtimes or morning routines
- Increased risk of obesity because of limited physical play
Common Co-occurring Conditions
Research shows 50 % of children with DCD also meet criteria for:
- ADHD (attention difficulties magnify motor slips)
- Specific Learning Disorder (dyslexia, dyscalculia)
- Speech-language delay
- Sensory processing differences
Role of Rehabilitation Psychologists in DCD
Assessment & Diagnosis Process
Our rehabilitation psychologist for developmental coordination disorder begins with a dual lens: motor science + child psychology. Standardised tools such as the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) and the DSM-5-TR criteria are paired with parent questionnaires to rule out medical causes.
Motor Skill Interventions
We translate test data into playful therapy modules:
- Task-oriented training (e.g., climbing, obstacle courses)
- Cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance (CO-OP)
- Neuromotor task training to improve balance and ball skills
Psychological Support Strategies
Children often believe "I am stupid" before they can name DCD. Counselling sessions use CBT techniques to:
- Reframe negative self-talk
- Build frustration tolerance
- Teach relaxation skills before PE class
Collaboration with Other Specialists
Your child’s plan is coordinated under one roof—no running around the city. The rehabilitation psychologist meets weekly with occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and special educators to adjust goals and prevent duplication.
Our DCD Assessment Approach
Initial Screening Tools
A 15-minute online questionnaire helps parents decide whether to book a full evaluation. Items cover dressing, utensil use, playground participation, and family history.
Comprehensive Evaluation Process
We schedule three sessions:
- Parent interview (developmental history)
- Motor lab (gross, fine, and visual-motor tests)
- Classroom simulation (desk work, backpack lifting)
Standardized Motor Tests
- MABC-2 (ages 3–16)
- Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2
- Beery VMI for visual-motor integration Scores below the 5th percentile indicate significant DCD.
Family Interview Process
Understanding home routines guides realistic therapy targets. We ask about siblings, parental work schedules, and cultural play preferences to weave exercises into everyday life—no extra 2-hour burden.
Treatment Programs & Interventions
Individual Therapy Plans
Each plan is SMART:
- Skills broken into micro-steps
- Measurable via video logs
- Achievable within 8 weeks
- Relevant to school and home goals
- Time-bound with monthly reviews
Group Skill-Building Sessions
"Move & Groove" groups (4–6 kids) practise ball games, dance routines, and cooperative crafts under psychologist supervision. Peer modelling accelerates confidence faster than 1:1 sessions alone.
Parent Training Programs
Evenings and weekend workshops cover:
- How to prompt without nagging
- Adapting utensils, buttons, and shoelaces
- Building a sensory-smart study corner
School Collaboration Support
We send concise, jargon-free reports to class teachers and PE staff. Recommendations may include extra time for written tests, seating closer to demonstration areas, or modified sports equipment.
Age-Specific Programs
Early Intervention (3–6 years)
Play is work. We embed core stability exercises into jungle gyms, story-time yoga, and water play to wire neural pathways before formal academics begin.
School-Age Programs (6–12 years)
Sessions focus on handwriting speed, keyboard skills, scissor use, and playground entry rules—skills directly linked to report-card subjects and peer acceptance.
Adolescent Transition Support
Teens tackle complex buses, crowded canteens, and team sports. Therapy shifts to planning travel routes, organising materials for multiple teachers, and strength training for safe gym participation.
Adult Preparation Strategies
From 15 years onward we incorporate:
- Driving readiness assessments
- Cooking and kitchen safety modules
- Resume-writing workshops highlighting strengths
Technology Integration
Virtual Reality Training
Immersive games require timed reaching, catching, and balance. VR headsets adjust difficulty in real time, giving immediate feedback that paper tests can’t.
Digital Assessment Tools
Tablets capture exact milliseconds of movement, detecting micro-progress the naked eye misses. Graphs are shared with parents via a secure portal.
Home Exercise Apps
5-minute video demonstrations pop up on your phone daily. Kids earn stars, trade them for family-movie night coupons—motivation built in.
Progress Tracking Systems
Cloud dashboards visualise handwriting speed, ball-catch success, and emotional check-ins. Trends predict plateaus before frustration hits.
Success Stories
Case Study 1: 7-year-old Boy
Challenge: Could not pedal, tie laces, or complete class writing. Intervention: 6-month plan combining CO-OP strategy training with weekly group cycling club. Outcome: Tied shoes independently, improved MABC-2 score from 1st to 25th percentile, received "most improved athlete" award.
Case Study 2: Teenage Girl
Challenge: Avoided school dance, reported headaches before PE. Intervention: Adolescent transition program plus VR balance games. Outcome: Performed in annual day function, self-esteem score rose 40 % on standardised questionnaire.
Parent Testimonials
"We went from daily tears to our son asking for basketball play-dates. Cadabams CDC understood both his legs and his feelings." — Mrs. Anjali Krishnan, Hyderabad
School Feedback Reports
"Teachers noticed neater notebooks and faster math copying within one term. Recommendations were practical and easy to implement." — Head of Counselling, Oakridge International