Therapeutic Approaches for Developmental Coordination Disorder

Understanding Developmental Coordination Disorder

What is DCD/Dyspraxia?

Developmental coordination disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain plans and carries out movements. Children with DCD have average or above-average intelligence, yet everyday tasks that require balance, coordination, or fine-motor control are unusually hard. These challenges are not due to another medical condition—they reflect differences in the way the brain processes motor information.

Signs and Symptoms in Children

Noticeable signs usually appear before age five and may include:

• Difficulty with self-care tasks (buttoning, zipping, brushing teeth)
• Awkward or slow gross-motor movements: running, jumping, climbing stairs
• Frequent tripping or bumping into objects
• Poor pencil grip and illegible handwriting
• Trouble using utensils or pouring liquids without spilling
• Avoiding sports or playground games that require coordination

Common Co-occurring Conditions

DCD rarely travels alone. Many children also experience:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Learning disabilities, such as dyslexia or dyscalculia
• Sensory processing difficulties
• Speech and language delays Identifying each area of need helps us tailor evidence-based therapeutic approaches for developmental coordination disorder that address the whole child.

Our Evidence-Based Therapeutic Approaches

Occupational Therapy for Daily Living Skills

Occupational therapists at Cadabams CDC use playful, goal-oriented activities to strengthen fine-motor and self-care abilities. Examples:

• Hand-strengthening games with putty, clothespins, or tweezers
• Step-by-step dressing routines practiced in front of mirrors
• Adaptive tools—easy-grip scissors, weighted pens, Velcro shoes—introduced gradually so children gain independence We track improvements in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scores every four weeks, ensuring therapy remains relevant and motivating.

Physical Therapy for Motor Development

Our physical therapy program targets gross-motor milestones and confidence in movement:

• Balance boards and trampolines to improve postural control
• Obstacle courses that replicate playground demands
• Core strengthening exercises disguised as superhero or animal walks Sessions are held in our child-friendly gym, complete with crash mats and colourful targets. Parents receive short videos of exercises to practice at home twice a week.

Speech and Language Therapy

Some children with DCD also have verbal dyspraxia—difficulty planning the movements needed for speech. Our speech-language pathologists:

• Break words into syllable chunks using rhythmic cues
• Use visual prompts (mirror work, picture cards) to reinforce mouth placement
• Integrate breath control games such as blowing bubbles or harmonicas to support voice quality

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

When frustration or low self-esteem surface, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches children to:

• Reframe negative thoughts: “I can’t do this” becomes “I’m learning step by step.”
• Set realistic motor goals and celebrate each win
• Practice relaxation techniques—belly breathing, mindfulness colouring—to reduce anxiety before challenging tasks

Sensory Integration Therapy

Children who are over- or under-responsive to sensory input benefit from sensory integration therapy. In our sensory gym, therapists might:

• Use swings and scooter boards to develop vestibular (balance) processing
• Provide deep-pressure hugs or weighted blankets for calming input
• Create messy-play stations with rice, beans, or shaving cream to normalize tactile experiences

Treatment Process at Cadabams CDC

Step 1: Comprehensive Assessment

A multidisciplinary team evaluates:

• Motor skills via the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-2)
• Sensory processing using the Sensory Profile 2
• Speech clarity and language comprehension through standardized tests
• Emotional well-being with parent and teacher questionnaires

Step 2: Individualized Treatment Plan

We set SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound—such as: “Riya will fasten four buttons on her school uniform within two minutes by week 8.”

Step 3: Regular Progress Monitoring

Every six weeks, therapists review:

• Video recordings of the child performing tasks
• Parent feedback on daily routines
• Standardized test scores to quantify change Adjustments are made quickly if goals are met early or new challenges emerge.

Step 4: Parent Training and Home Program

Empowered parents drive lasting success. Training sessions cover:

• Breaking tasks into micro-steps
• Positive reinforcement strategies—token boards, sticker charts
• Safe home setups: lower shelves, labelled storage bins, non-slip mats We provide illustrated handouts and a private WhatsApp group for daily Q&A.

Specialized Programs We Offer

Early Intervention Program (Ages 2-5)

Early support yields the greatest motor-skill gains. Toddlers enjoy:

• Parent-toddler groups with music and movement
• Play-based OT in our sensory gym
• Monthly milestone checklists emailed to parents

School Readiness Program

Designed for ages 4-7, this program targets:

• Pre-writing patterns: circles, lines, loops
• Scissor skills and glue-stick control
• Classroom routines: opening lunch boxes, lining up

Adolescent Transition Support

Teens focus on real-world independence:

• Cooking simple meals using adapted utensils
• Using public transport with route-planning apps
• Job-shadowing opportunities in safe community settings

Group Therapy Sessions

Small groups (4-6 children) foster peer modelling and confidence:

• Lego therapy for cooperative fine-motor play
• Yoga for coordination taught through storytelling
• Social-skills games that emphasize turn-taking and sportsmanship

Home and School Support Strategies

Classroom Accommodations

Simple tweaks can transform a child’s school day:

• Seat cushions or wobble stools to support posture
• Extra time for written tests and motor tasks
• Visual schedules posted at eye level
• Buddy system for playground support

Home Exercise Programs

Ten minutes a day keeps skills growing:

• Wall push-ups while counting to 20
• Coin sorting races to refine pincer grip
• Animal walks—crab, bear, frog—across the living room Printable PDFs and short demo videos make practice fun and easy.

Adaptive Equipment Recommendations

We guide families in selecting tools that grow with the child:

• Triangular pencils and rubber pencil grips
• Elastic shoelaces that turn any shoe into a slip-on
• Weighted cutlery to steady hand movements during meals