Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)

Question 1

What is Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)?

Answer 1

• Neurodevelopmental disorder
• Impairs performance of everyday tasks and academic achievement
• Affects 5-6% of school aged children
• More common in males

Question 2

What is DSM-V diagnostic criteria A for DCD?

Answer 2

• Acquisition & execution of coordinated motor skills below expected at a given age & opportunity for skill learning & use.
• Manifested as clumsiness, slowness & inaccuracy of performance of motor skills

Question 3

What is DSM-V diagnostic criteria B for DCD?

Answer 3

• Motor skills deficit significantly or persistently interferes with ADLs appropriate to age
• Impacts academic/school productivity, prevocational and vocational activities, leisure, and play

Question 4

What is DSM-V diagnostic criteria C for DCD?

Answer 4

The onset of symptoms is in the early developmental period

Question 5

What is DSM-V diagnostic criteria D for DCD?

Answer 5

Motor skills deficits cannot be better explained by intellectual disability or visual impairment & are not attributable to a neurological condition affecting movement

Question 6

What are the characteristics of DCD?

Answer 6

• Described as ‘clumsy’ by parents or teachers
• Difficulty attaining & maintaining motor skills
• Proprioceptive & visuospatial dysfunction
• Persistence into adolescence in 50-70% of cases
• Social and emotional components

Question 7

What tasks do children with DCD have difficulty with?

Answer 7

• Analysing the task
• Interpreting environmental stimuli
• Anticipatory movements
• Acknowledging errors
• Making adjustments to movement

Question 8

What are the 3 intervention approaches for DCD?

Answer 8

• Task oriented approach
• Motor learning approach
• Cognitive approach

Question 9

What should interventions for DCD incorporate?

Answer 9

• Goals set at activity & participation levels
• May be necessary to treat a specific impairment to aid ability
• Should be aimed at participation in meaningful activities as independently as possible, based on discussion with the child
• Effective in both individual & group contexts (Individual may be better for children scoring lower than 5% on standardised assessment)
• Movement ABC-2 currently recommended for assessment

Question 10

What is the MATCH acronym for interventions for DCD?

Answer 10

• Modify the task
• Alter expectations
• Teach strategies
• Change the environment
• Help by understanding