Dyspraxia and Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD)

Co-ordination difficulties have been given many labels over the years, including: developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD), Dyspraxia, sensory processing disorder (SPD), sensory motor integration dysfunction (SMID) and clumsy child syndrome. These terms can all describe a child who has a marked impairment in the performance of motor skills which can negatively impact such activities as dressing, riding a bicycle, handwriting and playing ball games. Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) is the most recent and preferred term to describe this group of children. As many as 6% of primary school children are affected with the ratio of boys to girls being approximately 4:1. DCD commonly coexists with other conditions such as Dyslexia, Aspergher’s Syndrome, Attention Deficit (Hyperactive) Disorder (ADD/ADHD) and Autism.

A child with Dyspraxia or DCD may experience any or a number of the following problems:

late reaching their milestones such as sitting, crawling, standing, and walking
poor ability to stand on one leg, hop or jump
poor handwriting and drawing ability
poor at ball activities: throwing, catching, kicking
dislikes/difficulty with games, apparatus or playing outside
cannot or is late to ride a bicycle
poor balance and falls easily
cannot sit still
frequently trips over or bumps into objects
messy eater or struggles to use a knife and fork

poor ability to dress/undress, especially buttoning clothes and tying shoelaces
difficulty with copying text from a book or blackboard
difficulty with dictation and remembering/following instructions
difficulty with organising themselves, their thoughts and essay planning
poor concentration and is easily distracted
may be a loner and has difficulty with social skills
may be disruptive in class
poor memory
difficulty using scissors
dislikes loud noises, clothing labels, messy play and hair washing/cutting

Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) has been around for a long time although it was not recognised as a condition until fairly recently. Children in the past went undiagnosed and were labelled as clumsy, lazy, stupid, naughty or disruptive. These are the children who found school difficult and who struggled to keep up and fit in.

Physiotherapy for Children with Dyspraxia, Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) and other Co-ordination Difficulties

The methods of physiotherapy that I use have proved very effective in the treatment of Dyspraxia, Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) and other co-ordination difficulties. Research shows that children with Dyspraxia and Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) improve significantly and that self-esteem and confidence also improve dramatically.

1:1 full assessments to assist diagnosis & enable individualised treatment
Research-based treatment methods with proven effectiveness
1:1 treatment sessions & group therapy available
Screening days for schools, followed by weekly classes

The Impact of Not Treating Dyspraxia and Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD)

Research shows that children do not grow out of Dyspraxia and Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD). They continue to have problems into adulthood, including lower self-esteem, poorer academic performance and less positive social interactions. Children with Dyspraxia and Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) are often bright, but feel stupid because their peers cope whilst they find school difficult and struggle to keep up and fit in. Treatment for children with Dyspraxia and Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) can make the difference between their school lives being one long struggle or an enjoyable experience. By giving children with Dyspraxia and Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) the appropriate physiotherapy treatment and working closely with their families and schools, we can ensure that these children are not held back by their specific challenges but instead have the opportunity to meet their true potential.