Developmental coordination disorder
(Redirected from Developmental Coordination Disorder)
Developmental coordination disorder | |
---|---|
Synonyms | Developmental motor coordination disorder, developmental dyspraxia |
Pronounce | N/A |
Specialty | N/A |
Symptoms | Deficits in motor coordination, clumsiness, difficulty with fine and gross motor tasks |
Complications | Low self-esteem, anxiety, academic difficulties, social isolation |
Onset | Early childhood |
Duration | Lifelong |
Types | Dyspraxia, developmental verbal dyspraxia |
Causes | Unknown (likely multifactorial: genetic and environmental) |
Risks | Premature birth, low birth weight, family history of developmental disorders |
Diagnosis | Clinical evaluation, movement assessment battery for children, DSM-5 criteria |
Differential diagnosis | Cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, joint hypermobility syndrome |
Prevention | None known |
Treatment | Occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, psychological counseling |
Medication | Not typically used |
Prognosis | Varies; can improve with intervention and therapy |
Frequency | 5%–6% in children aged 5–11 |
Deaths | N/A |
Developmental coordination disorder (DCD), also referred to as developmental dyspraxia or developmental motor coordination disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by chronic impairment in motor skill development and coordination. These deficits interfere with daily functioning and are not attributable to other neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.
Signs and Symptoms[edit | edit source]
Children and adults with DCD often display difficulties in both fine and gross motor skills, which may affect:
- Self-care (e.g. dressing, using utensils)
- Academic activities (e.g. handwriting, using scissors)
- Recreational tasks (e.g. riding a bicycle, participating in sports)
Gross Motor Difficulties[edit | edit source]
- Trouble with balance and coordination
- Frequent tripping, falling, or bumping into objects
- Poor posture and difficulty in physical education classes
Fine Motor Difficulties[edit | edit source]
- Difficulty tying shoelaces, fastening buttons, or zipping jackets
- Poor handwriting (dysgraphia)
- Challenges with arts and crafts or using tools
Associated Features[edit | edit source]
- Working memory deficits
- Sensory processing issues
- Fatigue due to increased effort needed for motor tasks
- Emotional and social challenges due to frustration and peer comparison
Associated Conditions[edit | edit source]
DCD often co-occurs with:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Specific language impairment (SLI)
- Sensory processing disorder (SPD)
- Learning disabilities
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis is typically made by a multidisciplinary team and includes:
- Medical history and parental interviews
- Standardized motor assessments (e.g., Movement Assessment Battery for Children - MABC)
- Exclusion of other neurological or muscular conditions
- Observational reports from caregivers or teachers
DCD is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and is categorized under "Motor Disorders."
Management and Treatment[edit | edit source]
There is no cure for DCD, but early intervention can significantly improve function.
Therapeutic Approaches[edit | edit source]
- Occupational therapy – to improve daily life skills and functional independence
- Physiotherapy – to develop core strength and coordination
- Speech therapy – for those with coexisting developmental verbal dyspraxia
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy – to address anxiety or low self-esteem
- Educational accommodations and support plans (e.g., IEPs in schools)
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
DCD is a lifelong condition. While symptoms may improve with therapy, many children continue to experience challenges into adolescence and adulthood. With support, individuals can lead productive lives, particularly when strategies are implemented to assist with daily activities and learning.
Epidemiology[edit | edit source]
- Affects an estimated 5%–6% of school-aged children
- More commonly diagnosed in boys than girls (approximate ratio 2:1)
- Often persists into adulthood, though severity and manifestations may change
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Dyspraxia
- Sensory processing disorder
- Motor skill disorder
- Learning disability
- Specific developmental disorders
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Kondreddy Naveen, Prab R. Tumpati, MD