
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 is developmental coordination disorder?
Developmental coordination disorder could be present in a child whose parents, caregiver or schoolteacher expresses concerns that he or she is unusually clumsy and is showing persistent delays in gross or fine motor milestones.
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.
Who are the authors of developmental coordination disorder (DCD)?
Diagnosis and management of developmental coordination disorder Susan R. Harris, PhD PT,Elizabeth C.R. Mickelson, BSc(PT) MD, and Jill G. Zwicker, PhD OT(C) Author informationCopyright and License informationDisclaimer

What interventions treatments are commonly used for DCD?
Occupational therapy is the primary treatment for DCD. It helps kids gain motor skills and learn to do basic tasks that are needed for school and everyday living. These tasks include things like writing, typing, tying shoes and getting dressed.
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.
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.
How occupational therapists may work with kids with DCD?
OTs can also work with kids to improve gross motor skills, balance and coordination in general. For instance, OTs might have kids practice jumping jacks, catch balls of different sizes and weights, or run obstacle courses.
Does medication help dyspraxia?
Low doses of stimulant drugs such as Ritalin and Dexedrine have been used to treat learning disabilities like dyspraxia for several years. These medications temporarily help children and adults concentrate and become more focused.
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 a teacher help a child with dyspraxia?
Pre-teach new skills and provide instructions that kids can refer to on their own: Learners with dyspraxia will be more successful if they have a chance to practice skills—playing a new game, using a three-hole punch, or making notes in the margin of a text—in a low-stakes environment first.
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...
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.
What is the difference between DCD and dyspraxia?
Although DCD and dyspraxia sound similar, there's one major difference. DCD is the formal term professionals use to describe children with certain developmental challenges. Dyspraxia, on the other hand, is not a formal diagnosis [4].
What causes DCD?
being born prematurely, before the 37th week of pregnancy. being born with a low birth weight. having a family history of DCD, although it is not clear exactly which genes may be involved in the condition. the mother drinking alcohol or taking illegal drugs while pregnant.