What is developmental coordination disorder?

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurological (brain) and developmental condition. It is common in primary school-aged children and is a lifelong disorder. DCD is also called dyspraxia. The condition mainly causes movement difficulties.

People with DCD have difficulties with their motor skills. A motor skill involves using your body's muscles to do a task. This can make it harder to complete everyday activities. DCD does not affect intelligence.

The condition is identified more often in males.

What are the symptoms of developmental coordination disorder?

Children with DCD may bump into other people or objects and appear clumsy. They may have problems with gross motor skills and fine motor skills.

Gross motor skills use the large muscles in your arms, legs and body. Examples include running, jumping and throwing a ball.

Fine motor skills involve using the smaller muscles in your hands, fingers and wrists. Examples include writing, using scissors and tying shoelaces.

Signs that your child may have DCD include difficulty with:

• holding a pencil and writing
• opening and closing objects
• doing up buttons or shoelaces
• running and jumping

Some other things that you might notice are that your child:

• has difficulty learning new skills
• becomes tired easily
• avoids tasks they find difficult, such as handwriting
• has difficulty completing tasks on their own, such as getting dressed

DCD is usually identified in early childhood.

What causes developmental coordination disorder?

The causes of DCD aren't well understood.

It may be caused by a problem in the part of the brain that controls movement. There may also be issues with how nerve connections in the brain develop.

There seems to be a strong genetic link. Children with DCD often have a family member with movement disorders.

It's also linked to complications during pregnancy or birth.

When should I see my doctor?

If you are worried about how your child moves, see their doctor or paediatrician. They can give you advice and make a diagnosis if needed. They may refer you to other specialists, like an occupational therapist or physiotherapist.

How is developmental coordination disorder diagnosed?

A diagnosis of DCD helps you understand why your child has trouble with certain skills. Diagnosis should involve a multidisciplinary team, including:

• an occupational therapist
• a developmental psychologist
• a paediatrician (children's doctor)

An occupational therapist or developmental psychologist can test your child's motor skills. There are special tests to check motor skills.

Your paediatrician will check that their problems aren't caused by another brain condition.

To diagnose DCD, your multidisciplinary team might:

• ask about your family history
• ask teachers, educators and family members about your child's progress
• check your child's developmental milestones according to their age
• give you a questionnaire to complete

Even if there are early signs, your doctor may not make a diagnosis of DCD until your child is 5 years old.

How is developmental coordination disorder treated?

There is no cure for DCD, but it can be managed with a combination of regular therapies.

Occupational therapy is the main treatment for DCD. It can help children develop the skills needed for school and everyday living.

Physiotherapy is also important for children with muscle tone and strength problems.

Speech therapists or speech pathologists can help with social skills and communication challenges.

Psychologists can help manage any social, emotional or mental health problems.

With the help of a multidisciplinary team, the management of DCD can be tailored to a child's individual needs.

Living with developmental coordination disorder

People living with DCD can make small changes in their daily lives to help manage motor difficulties. For example, they might:

• ask teachers for extra time or breaks during handwriting tasks
• use a scribe or computer for classwork, exams or homework
• choose pens and pencils that are easier to hold or paper with larger lines to write on

It's also helpful to talk with teachers and employers so they understand the challenges of DCD. They can then make changes to support them.

DCD can continue into adolescence and adulthood. This can make tasks like driving a car or maintaining relationships more difficult. There is currently limited research into adults diagnosed with DCD.

What are the complications of developmental coordination disorder?

DCD can occur as a disorder on its own, or together with:

• hypermobile joints
• dyslexia (difficulty recognising words and spelling)
• dyscalculia (difficulty with numbers and maths)
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

People with DCD also often have mental health conditions. This is likely due to reduced involvement in social groups because of movement difficulties.

If DCD is not diagnosed and managed, it may lead to:

• temper tantrums in children
• anxiety and depression
• panic attacks
• addiction
• frequent job changes or long-term unemployment

Can developmental coordination disorder be prevented?

DCD cannot be prevented. However, its symptoms and difficulties can be managed.

Resources and support

DCD Australia has resources for parents and educators on how to support children with DCD.

Schools Victoria has resources for educators on how to best work with students with DCD.

Auspeld supports children and adults with specific learning disorders in Australia. They provide useful resources that include:

• Understanding Learning Difficulties: A practical guide for parents.

There are also state-based Support for Specific Learning Difficulties (SPELD) organisations, including:

• SPELD NSW supports people in New South Wales.
• Speld Qld supports people in Queensland.
• Specific Learning Difficulties SA supports people in South Australia.
• SPELD Victoria supports people in Victoria.
• Dyslexia SPELD Foundation supports people in Western Australia.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.