Developmental Coordination Disorder
Developmental Coordination Disorder
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is characterized by impairment in the development of motor coordination and it significantly interferes with the performance of daily activities. This impairment will interfere with both academic achievement and the skills needed for daily life. The failure to gain both fine and gross motor skills cannot be explained by a pervasive developmental disorder or general medical condition. DCD children will take longer to learn and automate motor skills. 4 – 5% of children who are in primary schools are affected by DCD. It is a common condition and affects both boys and girls equally, but is rarely identified until the age of 8. Very few doctors give the DCD diagnosis as they are not aware of the disorder or it is simply overlooked because the child has other disorders present i.e. ADHD, communication disorders, and disorder of written expression.
DCD is known by many other names, and some of them are still used today. It is most commonly referred to as Dyspraxia or clumsy Child Syndrome. DCD is first recognized when a child does not meet the normal developmental milestones i.e. walking, dressing, and sitting. There are also difficulties in performing tasks that use both large and small muscles i.e. writing, throwing and catching balls, and buttoning buttons. The motor skills difficulties are not consistent with the child’s intellectual abilities, quite often a child with DCD has a higher than average intellect.
The effects of DCD can range from mild to severe. There, but early degree of the effects vary depending on the environmental tasks and the demands placed on the child. The difficulties are experienced in a variety of areas or specific activities. There is no cure, but early intervention and treatment will help to reduce and emotional, physical and social consequences.
Symptoms
With DCD there are six general groups of symptoms: 1. General unsteadiness and slight shaking.
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is characterized by impairment in the development of motor coordination and it significantly interferes with the performance of daily activities. This impairment will interfere with both academic achievement and the skills needed for daily life. The failure to gain both fine and gross motor skills cannot be explained by a pervasive developmental disorder or general medical condition. DCD children will take longer to learn and automate motor skills. 4 – 5% of children who are in primary schools are affected by DCD. It is a common condition and affects both boys and girls equally, but is rarely identified until the age of 8. Very few doctors give the DCD diagnosis as they are not aware of the disorder or it is simply overlooked because the child has other disorders present i.e. ADHD, communication disorders, and disorder of written expression.
DCD is known by many other names, and some of them are still used today. It is most commonly referred to as Dyspraxia or clumsy Child Syndrome. DCD is first recognized when a child does not meet the normal developmental milestones i.e. walking, dressing, and sitting. There are also difficulties in performing tasks that use both large and small muscles i.e. writing, throwing and catching balls, and buttoning buttons. The motor skills difficulties are not consistent with the child’s intellectual abilities, quite often a child with DCD has a higher than average intellect.
The effects of DCD can range from mild to severe. There, but early degree of the effects vary depending on the environmental tasks and the demands placed on the child. The difficulties are experienced in a variety of areas or specific activities. There is no cure, but early intervention and treatment will help to reduce and emotional, physical and social consequences.
Symptoms
With DCD there are six general groups of symptoms: 1. General unsteadiness and slight shaking.