Paediatrics: Developmental co-ordination disorder

Developmental co-ordination disorder

Previously known as dyspraxia

Developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD) is where there are difficulties in learning specific motor and fine motor skills. There are often associated problems with motor planning, proprioception and sensation(maybe hypo/hypersensitive to touch, taste, smell) Children tend to be clumsy and poorly co-ordinated, but may also have specific difficul-ties in writing, learning to dress, and remembering daily routine. DCD may also affect reading.

Physiotherapists and occupational therapists will assess the child and the nature of their difficulties and provide appropriate supportive strategies and training programs to help the child manage in school.