Developmental Coordination Disorder (Dyspraxia)
What is developmental coordination disorder?
Developmental coordination disorder is problems with motor skills. A child with this disorder has a hard time with things like riding a bike, holding a pencil, and throwing a ball. People with this disorder are often called clumsy. Their movements are slow and awkward.
Children with developmental coordination disorder may also have a hard time doing things that involve moving muscle groups in sequence. For example, the child might be unable to do the following in order: open a closet door, get out a jacket, and put it on.
It is thought that up to 6% of children may have developmental coordination disorder. The symptoms usually go unnoticed until the early years of elementary school. It is usually diagnosed in children who are between 5 and 11 years old.
How does it occur?
The cause of developmental coordination disorder is unknown. Children whose parents, brothers, or sisters have it appear to be more likely to have it. Some researchers feel that the disorder can be caused by changes in brain chemicals or damage to the pathways that link brain cells to certain muscle groups.
What are the symptoms?
Some symptoms may appear in the first 2 years of life. The child may:
- have a very hard time sitting up or raising his or her head
- be unable to stand without help or have a very hard time standing without help
- be unable to crawl or have a very hard time crawling
- walk very late or have a very hard time walking
Some symptoms usually appear during the preschool or grade school years. The child may:
- have trouble holding a pencil or drawing
- have poor handwriting
- find it hard to throw a ball or ride a bicycle
- be clumsy and accident prone
- play sports poorly
- have trouble paying attention or remembering things
- have a hard time dressing (doing buttons and zippers)
How is it diagnosed?
Parents and healthcare providers usually notice motor skill problems in these children. Your healthcare provider will first rule out other conditions (such as muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, and mental retardation) as causes. Your provider will also ask how the child is feeling, how he or she is doing in school, and about problems the child has with motor skills. The provider may ask the child do some simple tasks such as clap hands, hold a pencil, draw, or write.
How is it treated?
Your healthcare provider will discuss treatment options with you. Treatment for this disorder involves occupational therapy and physical therapy. If the problem is mild and there is no other underlying physical problem, treatment may not be needed. If the problem is severe, the family and provider should work with the school district to meet treatment needs and educational accommodations.
An important part of treatment for a child with this disorder is increasing the child's self-esteem through support and encouragement from family members, friends, and teachers. Praise your child for his or her efforts and for any improvement, however small, in his or her motor skills.
How long will the effects last?
There is limited information on how long the effects of this disorder last. If the condition is mild, most people can lead a normal life.
What can I do to help my child?
- Learn as much as you can about developmental coordination disorder. Most libraries and bookstores have information.
- Continue to follow the treatment plan.
Written by Psychiatric Professional Services, Inc.
Published by RelayHealth.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
