Recognizing DCD

Recognizing DCD is the first step in providing evidence-based services

  • If you suspect a child may have DCD, tools are available to help you investigate further
  • Variations in the clinical presentation of DCD exist; however, there are some important commonalities
  • Characteristic features of DCD can be classified according to the International Classification of Functioning, Health and Disability (ICF) (WHO, 2001) (see below).

Resource under review


These videos illustrate a typically-developing child and a child with DCD

 
Question for Reflection
Would the physiotherapy management of a child with DCD differ from the management of a child with global delay?
Click here for some thoughts on this question
Would the physiotherapy management of a child with DCD differ from the management of a child with global delay?

It is important for physiotherapists to identify the potential underlying causes of a motor delay when it is present. Once a medical explanation for the delay has been ruled out, offering opportunities for practice during PT interventions and in the child's daily environments may be a good place to start. However, if opportunities for practice have been provided and the child still struggles to learn and perform new motor activities, PTs may want to investigate further for DCD. If coordination difficulties appear to be limiting motor skill progession, specific strategies that target characteristic features of DCD would be useful and more likely to increase the effectiveness of PT interventions (see Evidence-Based Practice section).

So what about Max?
Using your knowledge of the characteristic features of DCD, you recognize Max’s difficulties in self-care, academic, and sports and leisure activities as being typical challenges for children with DCD.