Developmental coordination disorder (DCD)

Question 1

DSM-5’s 4 criteria for DCD

Answer 1

1. Learning and execution of coordinated motor skills is below age level
2. Motor difficulties significantly interfere w/ ADL’s, academics, leisure, and play
3. Oneset is in the early developmental period
4. Motor coordination difficulties are not better explained by intellectual delay, visual impairment, or other neurological conditions that affect movement

Question 2

Co-existing conditions with DCD

Answer 2

• ASD
• ADHD
• Learning disabilities
• Sensory differences
• Intellectual disability
• Psychological/mental health conditions

Question 3

Characteristics of DCD

Answer 3

• Differences in brain function
• Gross motor skill delay
• ADL limitations
• School and social challenges
• Communication issues

Question 4

Functional consequences of DCD

Answer 4

• Poor fitness
• Obesity
• Decreased physical activity
• Poor self-esteem and self-worth
• Emotional and behavioral problems
• Impaired academic achievement
• At risk for being bullied

Question 5

What comprises a PT exam for a patient with DCD?

Answer 5

1. History and SR
2. Make appropriate referrals if red flags present
3. Complete participation outcome measures
4. Examine motor performance through movement analysis/observation
5. Examine activity limitations using questionnaires (DCDQ’07, MABC-2)
6. Examine motor performance using standardized measures (BOT-2, MABC-2)
7. Examine impairments of body functions and structures

Question 6

What does the movement assessment battery for children (MABC-2) test for?

Answer 6

8 items in 3 domains:
* Manual dexterity
* Aiming and catching
* Balance

Question 7

What comprises PT intervention for a patient with DCD?

Answer 7

1. Provide task-oriented interventions with related body functions and structures interventions as the first-choice
2. Use small group or individual sessions
3. Recommend supplemental activities to augment the first-choice intervention
4. Provide education and HEPs to the family
5. Provide appropriate dosages for interventions to improve motor performance (high frequency)

Question 8

What is motor skill training (MST)?

Answer 8

• Active participation in solving problems inherent of the functional task
• Practice across multiple environmental conditions
• Task specific practice with multiple repetitions

Question 9

What is Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP)?

Answer 9

• Meta-cognitive strategy in solving problems inherent of the functional task
• Progressive increase of task demands across multiple
  environmental conditions