Developmental Coordination Disorder – Causes, Symptoms, Prevalence, Diagnosis and Treatment

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurological disorder that affects the coordination and control of movement. 
It is the most common childhood motor disorder, affecting up to 5-6% of school-aged children, and can have a significant impact on a person's daily life. 
In this blog post, we will explore the causes, symptoms, prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of DCD. We will also discuss how it can be managed, and provide advice for parents and caregivers of those affected.

 

What is Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)?

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopment disorder that impacts an individual’s ability to coordinate movements and plan the body’s motor activities in daily life.

It is usually seen in childhood but can persist into adulthood.

People with DCD may have trouble coordinating their movements, such as when learning a new skill, playing sports, or carrying out everyday tasks. 

They may also have difficulty with tasks that require fine motor skills, such as handwriting, using scissors, buttoning clothes, and even typing on a computer. 

People with DCD may also struggle with other activities, such as balance and posture.

DCD is sometimes referred to as “motor learning disability” or “motor coordination disorder.” It is not caused by any known physical or neurological illness and is believed to be the result of an underlying neurological problem that has yet to be identified. 

In many cases, DCD can co-exist with other developmental disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders, or learning disabilities.

 

Symptoms of DCD

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a common motor skills disorder that affects the ability to plan and execute everyday activities. 

It is diagnosed in both children and adults, although it is more common in children.

The symptoms of DCD can vary widely from person to person, but there are some common signs of the condition. 

• Children may have difficulty with activities that require physical coordination and fine motor skills' 
• Difficulty in writing and drawing 
•  Difficulty in sports. 
• Difficulty in daily activities that require balance, such as walking, running, or climbing stairs.
• Difficulty with sequencing tasks, such as following instructions or planning a sequence of actions
• Difficulty organizing tasks
• Clumsiness
• Difficulty learning new motor tasks. 

• People with DCD may also be overly sensitive to touch, sound, and other sensory stimuli.

If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or your child, it is important to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider right away.

Early diagnosis and intervention can help to improve functioning and reduce the impact of DCD on quality of life.

 

Prevalence of DCD

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a common childhood disorder that affects a person’s motor skills. 

• Percentage of prevalence of DCD

It is estimated that it affects up to 6% of children worldwide, although the true prevalence is unknown due to limited research and diagnosis.

In the US, estimates suggest that around 5% of children aged 6-11 years have DCD.

• Which group of gender is more prone to it?

Girls are more likely to have DCD than boys, with an estimated ratio of 3:2. 

This may be because girls are more likely to seek help for their difficulties than boys, and may also have more difficulty acquiring basic motor skills than boys. 

• In which age it mostly diagnosed?

DCD can present at any age but is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 4-9 years.

• Comorbidity

DCD is often comorbid with other neurological conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety, language disorders, and learning disabilities. 

• Associated problems

It is also associated with social and emotional problems including low self-esteem, increased risk of bullying, and depression.

Causes of DCD

The cause of DCD remains unclear, although there are several possible contributing factors including genetics, brain injury, or premature birth. 

It is important to note that DCD is not caused by lack of motivation or intelligence.

It is a neurological condition that impairs a person’s ability to accurately process sensory information and coordinate movements.

 

Diagnosis of DCD

1. Diagnosing developmental coordination disorder (DCD) can be a complex process, as many of the signs and symptoms may not appear until the child is older. 
2. It is important to take an accurate history and consider any co-existing conditions that may be present. 
3. The diagnosis of DCD should include both a comprehensive physical examination and a detailed assessment of motor skills.
4. The physical exam should include testing for fine and gross motor skills, coordination, balance, and postural control. 
5. The assessment of motor skills should include tasks such as hopping, skipping, and running, as well as throwing and catching a ball. 
6. Other assessments that may be used to diagnose DCD include standardized tests, such as the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC) and Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP).
7. A diagnosis of DCD should also include a review of any co-morbid conditions or learning difficulties that may be present. 
8. Children with DCD may also have difficulty with learning and language skills, as well as social difficulties. 
9. It is also important to review any medications or therapies that the child is taking, as these can have an impact on motor development.
10. When diagnosing DCD, it is important to consider any underlying medical conditions that may be present. 
11. In some cases, the cause of the disorder may be due to a neurological condition or another medical issue. In these cases, further medical testing may be required.
12. It is important to note that the diagnosis of DCD should not be based on one single test or assessment. 
13. A combination of multiple assessments should be used in order to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. 
14. It is important to keep in mind that the diagnosis of DCD is a clinical one, meaning that there is no one single test that can determine whether or not the individual has the disorder.

 

Treatment of DCD

When it comes to treating developmental coordination disorder (DCD), it is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

Each individual’s needs will be different and require a tailored plan of action.

• Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy is the most common treatment for DCD. Occupational therapy helps children and adults improve their physical and cognitive abilities, develop independence in daily activities and gain better coordination skills. 

The therapist will assess the individual's skills and help them come up with strategies for tasks that are difficult for them.

• Physical therapy 

Physical therapy can also help people with DCD by strengthening the muscles and improving posture. 

This can help make everyday tasks easier, such as walking, running, playing sports and getting dressed.

• Speech and language therapy

Speech and language therapy can also be beneficial in helping individuals with DCD communicate effectively. 

A speech and language therapist will work with the individual to develop speech, language and communication skills, including nonverbal communication, like facial expressions and gestures.

• Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can help people with DCD manage their emotions and better cope with the challenges of having DCD.

CBT helps individuals think more positively about themselves and their abilities, which can improve self-esteem and confidence.

With early diagnosis and intervention, people with DCD can learn to manage the condition and live meaningful lives. 

With the right treatment plan, individuals with DCD can lead an independent lifestyle and achieve their goals.

 

Living with DCD

DCD can be a very difficult disorder to live with, and managing it day to day can be challenging. 

For those diagnosed with DCD, it is important to find ways to manage the condition and cope with its challenges.

• Exercise:

First and foremost, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes regular exercise. 

Regular exercise can help improve coordination and balance. 

• Eating healthy foods:

Eating healthy foods that provide essential nutrients and vitamins can help keep your body functioning optimally. 

• Sleep

Getting enough sleep is also very important for those with DCD, as fatigue can contribute to increased difficulty in performing activities of daily living.

• Healthcare professionals

It is also important to work with a team of healthcare professionals such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and psychiatrists who specialize in DCD. 

A physical therapist can help improve coordination and balance, while an occupational therapist can help develop new strategies for completing everyday tasks. 

A psychiatrist can provide counseling or medication to treat any underlying mental health issues that may contribute to DCD.

• Hobbies and activities:

Those with DCD should strive to find hobbies and activities they enjoy doing. 

Activities like dancing, drawing, and sports can help improve coordination and balance, while providing a fun and enjoyable experience. 

• Online resources 

There are online resources available for those living with DCD. These can provide support and information on how to manage the disorder day-to-day.

Living with DCD can be challenging but with the right support, it is possible to manage the condition and lead a fulfilling life.