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

Illustration of developmental coordination disorder (TDC/dyspraxia)

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

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

• Trouble with balance and coordination
• Frequent tripping, falling, or bumping into objects
• Poor posture and difficulty in physical education classes

Fine Motor Difficulties

• Difficulty tying shoelaces, fastening buttons, or zipping jackets
• Poor handwriting (dysgraphia)
• Challenges with arts and crafts or using tools

Associated Features

• 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

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

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

There is no cure for DCD, but early intervention can significantly improve function.

Therapeutic Approaches

• 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

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

• 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

• Dyspraxia
• Sensory processing disorder
• Motor skill disorder
• Learning disability
• Specific developmental disorders