Definition of Developmental coordination disorder
Developmental coordination disorder is a childhood disorder that leads to poor coordination and clumsiness.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
About 6% of school-age children have some kind of developmental coordination disorder. Children with this disorder may:
Symptoms
Children with developmental coordination disorder have difficulties with motor coordination compared to other children the same age. Some common symptoms include:
Signs 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 ways to treat coordination disorder. Using a computer to take notes may help children who have trouble writing.
Expectations (prognosis)
How well a child does depends on the severity of the disorder. The disorder does not get worse over time. It usually continues into adulthood.
Review
Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical Staff, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children’s Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 11/2/2010
