07 May Clumsy Kids
Would you say your child is awkward or clumsy? Does he/she have trouble with every day tasks? Your child may be suffering from DCD or Development Coordination Disorder.
DCD occurs in 5-6% of all school age children and happens when there is a delay in the development of motor skills. This is not a medical or neurological condition, but the consequence is coordination issues. Children with DCD have been unable to master simple motor activities such as going down stairs or tying shoe laces. They may have difficulty with age-appropriate academic tasks or self-care responsibilities. Rest assured, DCD kids usually have normal or above average intelligence, but their poor motor skills may impact academic progress, emotional development and social skills.
Research has shown that DCD can persist through adolescence and into adulthood, and therefore intervention is essential.
Some examples of what you may see in a child with DCD includes
- Slower to learn to sit, crawl, walk, etc
- Tripping easily due to poor balance and timing
- Poor coordination
- Clumsiness and lack of spatial awareness
- Difficulty learning left from right
- Finding it hard to pick up objects
- Slow to develop left or right handedness
What can be done? The physiotherapists at Western Paediatric Physiotherapy specialise in treating young children. They can do a formal assessment of your child to identify the areas where they can assist, and, after discussion with the parent, will develop a treatment plan focusing on improving your child’s motor skills. Home exercises form an essential aspect of the treatment program, so be prepared to be involved!
Contact Western Paediatric Physiotherapy now if you suspect your child has DCD, and help your child with his/her future.
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