Developmental Coordination Disorder

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KEY POINTS

• Developmental coordination disorder involves problems with muscle movement. A child with this disorder has a hard time with things like riding a bike, holding a pencil, and throwing a ball.
• If the problem is mild and there is no other physical problem, your child may not need treatment. If the problem is severe, treatment may include sensory integration therapy, speech and language therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and services offered through your child's school.
• Support groups can help by sharing common concerns and solutions to problems with other families in the same situation. You can find these services through your healthcare provider, schools, therapy programs, and local and national support organizations.

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What is developmental coordination disorder?

Developmental coordination disorder involves problems with muscle movement. A child with this disorder has a hard time with things like riding a bike, holding a pencil, throwing a ball and even getting dressed. Children with this disorder are often called clumsy. Their movements are slow and awkward. The disorder is also called motor clumsiness.

This disorder usually lasts into adulthood.

What is the cause?

The exact cause of this disorder is not known. Children whose parents, brothers, or sisters have it may be more likely to have it. It is also more common in families with a history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The disorder may be caused by changes in brain chemicals, damage to the pathways that link brain cells to certain muscle groups, or problems with nerve cells that control muscles. It is more likely in children who were exposed to alcohol during pregnancy, were premature, or had a low birth weight.

It is more common in boys than in girls.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms in the first 2 years of life may include:

• Having a very hard time raising his or her head
• Being slow to sit up, stand, crawl, or walk without help
• Turning the whole head instead of just the eyes when looking at something

Symptoms may not be noticed until your child starts school. Symptoms between 5 and 11 years old may include:

• Having trouble holding a pencil, writing, or drawing
• Having trouble holding a cup or using a fork or spoon
• Finding it hard to throw a ball or ride a bicycle
• Being clumsy and accident prone
• Having a hard time dressing such as with fastening buttons or tying shoelaces

Your child may also have a hard time doing things that involve moving muscles in sequence. For example, your child might be unable to do the steps in the order needed to do a task such as opening a closet door, choosing a jacket, and putting it on.

How is it diagnosed?

Your child’s healthcare provider will ask about your child's development at each well child visit. Tell your child’s provider about any concerns you have and any behavior that seems unusual. As a parent or caregiver, you are usually the first to notice unusual behaviors in your child. Do not ignore problems, thinking that your child is just a little clumsy. Early treatment helps reduce symptoms. It increases your child's physical abilities and helps reduce stress.

Your healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms and medical history and examine your child. Your provider may ask your child to clap his hands, hold a pencil, draw, or write.

Your healthcare provider will also check for physical problems such as muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy.

How is it treated?

If the problem is mild and there is no other physical problem, your child may not need treatment. If the problem is severe, treatment may include:

• Sensory integration therapy, which is a kind of therapy that uses games to improve your child's sense of touch, sense of movement, and sense of body position
• Speech and language therapy, which is used to help children who have problems using their muscles to speak
• Help from your child’s school with math, reading, spelling, and physical education classes. School-age children may be given pencils with special grips that are easier to hold or use computers to take notes if that is easier.
• Physical therapy or occupational therapy, which helps improve your child’s strength, balance, and ability to do everyday tasks
• Medicine and treatment for other disorders

How can I help my child?

• Find out what services are offered through your school district to help children with developmental coordination disorder.
• Work with your child’s therapists to learn ways to work with your child at home.
• Look for your child’s strengths. No one knows what your child may be able to do in time, so don’t set your expectations too low. Encourage your child to try new things.
• Be patient with your child. Praise your child for any efforts and for any improvement, however small.
• Get your child moving. Encourage your child to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity most days. If your child is not used to physical activity, start slowly and work up to 60 minutes. Children with developmental coordination disorder are at high risk for having obesity, heart disease, and other health problems due to not being active enough.
• Join a support group. Support groups can help by sharing common concerns and solutions to problems with other families in the same situation. You can find these services through your healthcare provider, schools, therapy programs, and local and national support organizations.
• See a mental health professional to help you cope with your stress.