Developmental coordination disorder (DCD)

About developmental coordination disorder

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a child’s ability to plan, coordinate, and execute motor skills. It is sometimes referred to informally as “dyspraxia.” Children with DCD have difficulties with everyday activities that require motor coordination, such as dressing, handwriting, using cutlery, sports, or riding a bike. These difficulties are not due to a medical condition, intellectual disability, or lack of opportunity to learn the skill, but rather problems with motor coordination and motor planning.

Developmental coordination disorder diagnosis

DCD diagnostic criteria

1. The acquisition and execution of coordinated motor skills is substantially below that expected given the individual’s chronological age and sufficient opportunities to acquire age-appropriate motor skills.
2. The motor skills deficit described in criterion I significantly and persistently interferes with the activities of everyday living appropriate to chronological age (for example, self-care and self-maintenance and mobility) and impacts upon academic or school productivity, prevocational and vocational activities, leisure, and play.
3. The motor skills deficits are not better accounted for by any other medical, neuro developmental, psychological, social condition or cultural background.
4. Onset of symptoms in childhood (although not always identified until adolescence or adulthood).

DCD often occurs with other developmental disorders, such as autism, attention deficit hyper-activity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia.

Support for DCD

Please refer to the motor skills difficulties page

• Dyspraxia Foundation
• Dyspraxia support videos: Watch Me Do It Project