Social Relationships

Positive social relationships at home, school and the community are essential to all children’s emotional health and wellbeing.

Children with DCD might experience some difficulties in their social relationships such as:

Withdrawl and social isolation: During recess, for example, a child with DCD might wander the playground alone, play with younger children or talk mostly to adult supervisors.

Unusual emotional reactions: A child with DCD might get angry or easily upset during physical activities with peers.

Victimization: Some children with DCD are victims of schoolyard bullying.

Why are Social Relationships Challenging?

These difficulties in social relationships may be due to:

Low self-esteem: Continued difficulties with daily activities and academic performance can impact a child’s self-esteem. This can lead him or her to be withdrawn or shy around peers.

Physical play: A child with DCD might show a lack of interest in, or avoid social events because of the physical demands of many group activities. This is particularly true for boys in the primary grades, due to the physical nature of play.

Frustration: A child with DCD might be easily frustrated and upset with themselves due to the challenges experienced with activities required in all aspects of his or her life.

Fear of failure and embarrassment: Children with DCD may avoid social situations for fear of their peers seeing them be unsuccessful at an activity. It is easy to hide some difficulties from peers, but it is not possible to hide clumsiness.

What's Next?

We have covered some of the difficulties that may be associated with DCD, but there is also a lot of good news! Children with DCD can learn strategies and receive support that can make a big difference in their confidence and success at home, school and in the community.