What Is DCD?
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia, is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting motor coordination and planning. Children with DCD have significant difficulty with motor tasks (catching a ball, doing up buttons, handwriting, riding a bike) that are not explained by intellectual disability or neurological condition.
DCD affects approximately 5–6% of children. It frequently co-occurs with ADHD (50%), dyslexia (50%), autism, and language disorders. It is significantly underdiagnosed in India — children are labeled "clumsy" or "lazy" rather than identified as having a specific motor disorder.
Signs of DCD in Indian Children
- Significantly more difficulty than peers with PE activities (catching, throwing, running)
- Handwriting that is extremely slow and effortful or illegible
- Difficulty with self-care tasks that peers have mastered (tying laces, buttons, using utensils)
- Avoids physical and fine motor activities
- Poor posture, tires easily with physical tasks
- Difficulty learning new motor sequences even with practice
- Bumps into things, drops objects frequently
Diagnosis in India
DCD is diagnosed by a Developmental Pediatrician or Pediatric Neurologist, supported by OT assessment. Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-2) is the standard tool.
OT Treatment
Occupational therapy addressing motor learning, sensory integration, and adaptive strategies is the primary intervention. Task-specific practice (breaking down specific motor tasks into steps) is also effective.
No medication treats DCD directly. When DCD co-occurs with ADHD, ADHD medication helps attention and learning but not motor coordination specifically.
Accommodations at School
Typed assignments, extra time for handwriting-dependent tasks, use of lined paper with wider spacing, seated position accommodations for PE.