Developmental coordination disorder
Definition
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Developmental coordination disorder is a childhood disorder characterized by poor coordination and clumsiness.
Causes
Roughly 6% of school-age children have some degree of developmental coordination disorder. Children with this disorder may trip over their own feet, run into other children, have trouble holding objects, and have an unsteady gait.
Developmental coordination disorder may appear alone or in conjunction with other learning disorders, such as communication disorders or disorder of written expression.
Symptoms
Children with developmental coordination disorder have difficulties with motor coordination compared to other children the same age. Some common symptoms include:
- Delays in sitting up, crawling, and walking
- Problems with handwriting
- Problems with gross motor coordination (jumping, hopping, standing on one foot)
- Problems with fine motor coordination (tying shoelaces, tapping one finger to another)
- Clumsiness
Exams and Tests
Physical causes and other types of learning disabilities must be ruled out before the diagnosis can be confirmed.
Treatment
Physical education and perceptual motor training are the best approaches for treating coordination disorder.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The degree of recovery depends on the severity of the disorder.
Possible Complications
- Repeated injuries
- Learning problems
- Low self-esteem resulting from poor ability at sports and teasing by other children
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call for an appointment with a health care provider if you are concerned about your child's development.
Prevention
Affected families should make every effort to recognize existing problems early and have them treated. Early treatment is beneficial to future success.
Reviewed By: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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