Physiotherapists can make a difference in the life of children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD)
You see Max, 9 years old, for the first time today, for general motor delay. He struggles with ball games, has quite poor balance, and has not yet learned to ride his bicycle. He doesn't have a diagnosis yet, but as the evaluation progresses, you wonder whether Max might have DCD.
Max has recently withdrawn from his soccer team, because the other kids laughed at him and he felt embarrassed. His parents are concerned about the amount of time he spends in sedentary activities, especially watching television and playing computer games. They are also worried that he spends much of his time alone, and that he has few close friends. You want to find meaningful therapy goals for Max in which he can be successful > to goals to pursue.
Max feels different, and becomes less and less likely to try new things. In physical education class, he disturbs his classmates and assumes the role of ‘class clown’ to avoid participating. Max’s mother comments that it is also a struggle to get dressed every morning, since Max can't button and tie his shoes independently. Max's parents and teachers don't know what to do to help him. You want to support Max, his family and his teachers but are unsure how best to help them.
Following your meeting with Max, you seek out resources to support best physiotherapy practices for children with DCD.