Understanding Developmental Coordination Disorder and the Transformative Role of PT

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a developmental disorder in which a child’s coordinated motor skills are significantly below what would be expected for that child’s age, in the absence of another medical condition.

This first becomes apparent in the early years of a child’s life, and may present as: 

 

• Clumsiness

• Slowness

• Difficulty imitating movements

• Difficulty learning new motor skills

• Inaccurate or awkward movements

• Difficulty catching an object

• Difficulty kicking a ball

• Difficulty riding a bike

• Difficulty with participation in sports

• Difficulty with going down stairs

• Difficulty with tying shoes or using scissors

 

These challenges impact the child’s daily life, and may make school productivity, recreational activity participation, and play activities difficult. 

 

How can Physical Therapy Help?

 

Task-oriented practice during physical therapy sessions can help to address motor impairments, while teaching the child to break challenging tasks into easier components. Though many children will continue to have some motor coordination challenges throughout life, physical therapy will focus on specific movement goals which are most important to you and your child. With intervention, you can expect:

 

• Improved motor skills with task-oriented practice

• Improved independence/strategies for tackling future motor skill challenges

• Improved confidence with movement 

• Improved core stability, which is sometimes decreased for children with DCD

• Improved cardiorespiratory function

• Home exercise program development and support to facilitate practice at home

• Promotion of lifelong fitness (strength, endurance, flexibility) 

 

If you are concerned about your child’s motor coordination skills, reach out to your pediatrician to discuss whether your child might benefit from a physical therapy evaluation or give our office a call to learn more. Our team of physical therapists specialize in incorporating PLAY and THERAPY in order to reach your child’s individual goals!