Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a condition that affects how children learn and carry out movement skills. You may also hear it called Dyspraxia.
Children with DCD often know what they want to do, but find it harder to plan, organise and coordinate their movements. This can make everyday activities more difficult and may take them longer to learn than their peers.
DCD is not caused by laziness or lack of effort, and it is not related to intelligence. Children with DCD often work much harder than others to complete everyday tasks.
Occupational Therapists help to understand how a child's motor coordination difficulties affect their everyday activities, such as self-care, play, handwriting and participation at school. We assess functional motor skills and provide practical strategies, advice and intervention to support a child's independence and participation.
Occupational Therapists do not diagnose DCD. A diagnosis is made by a paediatrician or other appropriately qualified medical professional. However, occupational therapy assessments may contribute important information to the wider diagnostic process.
Children with DCD often know what they want to do, but find it harder to plan, organise and coordinate their movements. This can make everyday activities more difficult and may take them longer to learn than their peers.
DCD is not caused by laziness or lack of effort, and it is not related to intelligence. Children with DCD often work much harder than others to complete everyday tasks.
Occupational Therapists help to understand how a child's motor coordination difficulties affect their everyday activities, such as self-care, play, handwriting and participation at school. We assess functional motor skills and provide practical strategies, advice and intervention to support a child's independence and participation.
Occupational Therapists do not diagnose DCD. A diagnosis is made by a paediatrician or other appropriately qualified medical professional. However, occupational therapy assessments may contribute important information to the wider diagnostic process.