Treatment FAQ

treatment of children with developmental coordination disorder: what is the evidence?

by Wilson Legros Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Traditionally, treatment for children with DCD has been based on neuromaturational models of motor development that focus on decreasing motor impairment. However, research evidence to support the efficacy of these traditional approaches is not convincing (Polatajko, Kaplan, & Wilson, 1992; Vargas & Camilli, 1999).

Full Answer

Are We evaluating methods of intervention for children with developmental coordination disorder?

Background: The evaluation of methods of intervention for children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is an ongoing process. Systematic and meta-analytical reviews play an important role in this process. Before 2015, only four reviews of this type were published on this topic.

What are the characteristics of children with developmental coordination disorder?

Characteristics of Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder. There is wide range of dysfunctions portrayed by children having development coordination disorders. All these dysfunctions can be classified into three main groups, namely gross motor, fine motor and psychosocial dysfunctions2.

What are the treatment options for developmental coordination disorder?

Children with developmental coordination disorder typically receive different types of therapies (e.g., occupational therapy or physical therapy) aimed at improving their motor performance. For children who also have ADHD, drug therapies (e.g., methylphenidate) have been used.

What is developmental coordination disorder (DCD)?

Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) experience significant difficulty performing everyday tasks and management of these children is a great source of debate. Because little is understood about the etiology of the disorder, treatment design has been driven by competing theories of motor development and motor skill acquisition.

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Can DCD be treated?

DCD is treated with a long-term program of education, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills training to help you adapt to the disorder. Physical education can help you develop coordination, balance, and better communication between your brain and your body.

What interventions treatments are commonly used for DCD?

Children with DCD are often referred to occupational therapy. Interventions for children with DCD vary and include exercises, cognitive strategies, sensory integration/sensory based strategies, and goal-oriented interventions (Armstrong, 2012).

How can I help my child with DCD?

Talk to your child's school about supports for DCD. assistive technology like dictation software can be a big help to kids who have trouble with motor skills. Classroom accommodations are another important support. As for services, your child may also be able to get OT at school for free.

What is the treatment for dyspraxia?

Treatment for dyspraxia occupational therapy – to help you find practical ways to remain independent and manage everyday tasks such as writing or preparing food. cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave.

Can you outgrow developmental coordination disorder?

Children don't outgrow DCD – It was once believed that children with DCD would eventually grow out of the condition. However, long-term studies have shown that children with DCD often continue to experience motor problems into adolescence and adulthood.

What is the prognosis for developmental coordination disorder?

Prognosis. Historically, parents have been told not to worry about their child's clumsiness because the child will outgrow the problem. However, current researchers in the area of DCD report that the children do not outgrow clumsiness and that, without intervention, they will not improve.

How can I improve my DCD?

There is no cure for DCD, also known as developmental dyspraxia, but physiotherapy and occupational therapy can help the child learn the more complex motor skills by breaking down the difficult skill into smaller components and practising until mastery is achieved.

How can you treat dyspraxia at home?

Try activities which involve the whole family equally.Encourage each child to develop their own hobbies and interests so that comparisons are irrelevant.Talk to your partner about the problems and be open about how you both feel.Try to arrange time each week to concentrate on each child, and your partner.More items...

What help is available for children with dyspraxia?

Dyspraxia is not something a child will grow out of, but occupational, motor and speech therapy can make a difference. In addition, simply listening to your child and helping him or her process emotions experienced over the course of the day can be helpful.

How is developmental coordination diagnosed?

Children with suspected DCD are usually assessed using a method called the Motor ABC, which involves tests of: gross motor skills – their ability to use large muscles that co-ordinate significant body movements, such as moving around, jumping and balancing.

How is adult dyspraxia treated?

Teens and adults with dyspraxia may find occupational therapy useful for learning practical everyday skills, such as driving or DIY projects. In cognitive behavioral therapy, they can learn how to break free of the harmful thinking patterns that often arise as a result of dealing with a chronic condition.

Can occupational therapists diagnose dyspraxia?

Dyspraxia or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) are diagnoses given by a doctor (usually a paediatrician) but they are often based on the specialist assessments carried out by an occupational therapist. Diagnosis is given based on assessment of motor and functional skills.

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