Developmental Coordination Disorder

Developmental Coordination Disorder

Abstract

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a “neurodevelopmental” condition that is marked by the inability to develop motor coordination. These uncoordinated movements on children with DCD may lead to difficulties in performance in academic settings and daily life activities. Despite the high pervasiveness of this condition and the consequences linked with it, the causes of DCD are not yet adequately known. This review provides a general overview of DCD and intervention approaches on how to deal with the condition. In conclusion, Developmental Coordination Disorder is a condition that has clear diagnostic criteria and needs intervention to enhance functional and motor skills that can improve the associated difficulties and also physical and mental health outcomes of this condition.

Concept of Developmental Coordination Disorder

Developmental Coordination Disorder is a term that is used to elucidate children who show considerable difficulty in movement coordination such as those required to catch balls, get dressed, or complete handwriting tasks (“Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) – Kid Sense Child Development”, 2020). As a result, the children get difficulties in performing in their everyday tasks, which in term affect them in their academics.  In addition to the problem of physical fitness, this disorder influences a child’s social abilities and self-esteem. The condition often continues throughout adulthood; however, treatment can enhance motor skills and also provide strategies that will help navigate everyday duties. About % of children aged between 5 years and 11 years are diagnosed with this disorder, and the condition often affects more boys compared to girls (“Developmental Coordination Disorder | Psychology Today”, 2020).

Diagnostic criteria according to DSM-5

The following is the diagnostic criteria, according to DSM-5:

• The performance of various activities that need motor coordination is considerably below what would be anticipated given the measured intelligence and chronological age. This may be manifested by:
• Dropping things
• Marked delays in motor milestones (i.e., sitting, walking and crawling)
• “Clumsiness”
• Poor handwriting
• Poor performance in outdoor activities such as sports
• The disturbance in most motor performance, notably interferes with children’s academic achievement.
• The disturbance is not as a result of a general medical condition like muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, or hemiplegia.
• The disturbance doesn’t meet the criteria for “Pervasive Developmental Disorder.”
• If “mental retardation” is present, then motor difficulties present should be much compared to those linked with mental retardation.

History of Developmental Coordination Disorder

Movement clumsiness did gain increased recognition as an essential condition in children; however, there is an uncertainty in its diagnosis. Approaches treatment and assessment differ depending on various theoretical assumptions concerning etiology and developmental course. Over the last century, various terms have been employed to describe individuals exhibiting clumsy motor behaviors. The broad variation in labeling depended on professional or cultural backgrounds. For instance, medical professionals used medical terms such as minimal brain dysfunction and clumsy child syndrome. In contrast, educational professions used terms such as physical awkwardness, movement-skill problems, and poorly coordinated children. In response to the confusing labels, a meeting was held in 1994 through an international multidisciplinary consensus that came up with the term “developmental coordination disorder (DCD)” (Nelson, 2017).

Causes and Symptoms of Developmental Coordination Disorder

Cause of Developmental Coordination Disorder

Although many theories exist concerning the cases of Developmental Coordination Disorder, there is no clear answer to what causes the condition (“Causes & Identification | CanChild,” 2020). As children with Developmental Coordination Disorder may have associated difficulties on top of their “motor difficulties”, it does not seem that one factor will explain this condition as observed in the affected children. Most recently, most researchers have indicated a possible association between the cerebellum and issues seen with Developmental Coordination Disorder, as the cerebellum is essential for creating “automatic movement control” and monitoring movements which are affected by the condition.

Symptoms of Developmental Coordination Disorder

Signs of Developmental Coordination Disorder may start appearing soon after birth. Toddlers may show signs of having trouble in learning how to suck milk and also swallow it. They may also be slow to learn other activities such as sitting, crawling, walking, and talking. As a child joins a school, symptoms of this disorder become more noticeable and may include:

• An unsteady walk
• Dropping objects
• Difficult walking downstairs
• Running into others
• Difficulty in putting on clothes, tying shoes and other activities
• Difficulty in performing various school activities

People with Developmental Coordination Disorder may become self-conscious as they withdraw themselves from sports and other social events (“Developmental Coordination Disorder: Symptoms and Causes”, 2020). Nevertheless, limited exercise may lead to weight gain and poor muscle tone. Good physical condition and maintaining social involvement is important for overcoming Developmental Coordination Disorder.

Types of Developmental Coordination Disorder

When Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is present, other co-occurring conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), specific language impairment (SLI), learning disabilities (LD), and behavioral disorders have an increased likelihood of occurring. The two most recognized conditions that are linked with DCD are LD and ADHD (“Causes & Identification | CanChild”, 2020). The existence of co-occurring conditions justifies referral to suitable health care professions so as to create an effective treatment strategy for children with DCD. Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder have an increased likelihood of having associated social, behavioral, and emotional problems. Nevertheless, the debate continues whether these conditions are co-occurring or they are secondary to the difficulties in movement.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder that entails a combination of tenacious problems such as impulsive behavior, difficulty in paying attention, and hyperactivity. There is evidence that suggests children with ADHD have an increased rate of co-occurring Developmental Coordination Disorder (“Causes & Identification | CanChild”, 2020). Several studies that have been conducted on children with ADHD have shown that at least 50% of them also have DCD. Furthermore, children who have DCD and ADHD exhibit higher rates of issues in selecting language functioning, social skills, and learning abilities.

Specific Language Impairment (SLI)

Specific Language Impairment is a “developmental language disorder” that is characterized by the incapacity to master written and spoken language comprehension and expression, despite hearing acuity, and nonverbal intelligence. Similar to researches that were looking at the overlap that existed between DCD and ADHD, many studies have exhibited that almost half of the children identified with “speech-language disorders” also show co-occurring coordination difficulties (“Causes & Identification | CanChild”, 2020). Unlike the situation in both ADHD and DVD, it is easier to decide if a child has a speech-language-based issue, motor-based problem, or both. The type of language and speech difficulties will depend upon the type of disorder, severity, and the child’s age.