developmental coordination disorder (DCD)

Question 1

what is the medical term for DCD

Answer 1

dyspraxia

Question 2

what is DCD

Answer 2

impairment in the development of motor coordination
- slower development of skills
- usuallly in fundamental skills
- graded on 3 point scale (mild, mod, sev)
- clumsy, physically awkward, don’t perform athletically
- high rates of obesity

Question 3

what is the diagnostic criteria for DCD

Answer 3

DSM recognised condition
- motor skills (gross and fine) are behind peers
- effects other areas of life (academic, social, ADLs)
- occurs in childhood

Question 4

why does DCD take so long to diagnose

Answer 4

have to eliminate all other conditions
- can’t be caused by CP, ID, etc

Question 5

what is the etiology for DCD

Answer 5

unknown
theories:
- something happened during development in utero to a portion of the brain that controls motor commands
- believed to happen before birth

Question 6

does DCD impair motor skills or motor milestones

Answer 6

motor SKILLS
- will meet early motor milestones (sitting up, rolling over, etc)

Question 7

when is DCD typically diagnosed

Answer 7

6-12
- parent recognition when they see comparison with other kids
- flagged by teachers in school as well

Question 8

what is the difference in DCD incidence between medical literature and research

Answer 8

medical literature
- boys have higher incidences than girls
research
- 50/50 split
- more boys diagnosed because of focus on sports

Question 9

what does running look like in DCD

Answer 9

• no aerial phase
• uncoordinated arms and legs
• poor balance
• leaning side to side
• flat footed

Question 10

what does climbing stairs look like in DCD

Answer 10

very challenging skill
- see double feet on all steps
- sometimes use of hands
- balance problems
- turns sideways to side step down the steps

Question 11

what should balancing look like in 4yo kids

Answer 11

should be able to balance on both legs for at least 10 seconds
- check legs for leg length and muscle tone

Question 12

how are fine motor skills affected with DCD

Answer 12

• handwriting (palmar grip - holding with whole hand)
• buttons, tying shoes, zippers, etc
• brushing their teeth - struggle with movement and pressure
• dressing themselves
  main impact to ADLs