Not every child who’s clumsy or avoids sports is just “not trying hard enough.” For some, there’s an underlying condition affecting their ability to coordinate movement. It’s called Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)—and it’s more common than many people realise.
🧠 What Is Developmental Coordination Disorder?
DCD (also known as dyspraxia, particularly in the UK) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects movement and coordination. It’s not caused by muscle weakness or intelligence differences—but by how the brain plans and carries out physical actions.
Children with DCD might:
- Bump into things or drop items frequently
- Struggle with tasks like tying shoelaces, using cutlery, or handwriting
- Have difficulty with sports or keeping up in PE
- Appear messy, disorganised, or slow in completing physical activities
DCD is lifelong—it doesn’t go away with age, although individuals can learn strategies to manage challenges.
🔍 How Is DCD Diagnosed?
- Developmental history
- Observations of motor skills (e.g., fine and gross motor tasks)
- Standardised assessments by professionals like occupational therapists or paediatricians
Diagnosis usually involves a combination of:
DCD is formally recognised in the DSM-5, and it must significantly impact daily life (like school, work, or self-care) to meet diagnostic criteria.
🧩 DCD and Other Neurodevelopmental Conditions
DCD often co-occurs with other conditions, including:
- ADHD: Many children with DCD also struggle with attention and executive functioning
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Some autistic individuals also have coordination challenges
- Speech and language difficulties
- Learning differences (like dyslexia)
These overlaps can make it harder to spot DCD—or lead to it being mistaken for behavioural issues or “laziness.”
🚸 How Does DCD Affect Daily Life?
Beyond physical tasks, DCD can impact:
- Confidence: Constant “failure” at everyday tasks can lower self-esteem
- Friendships: Struggling with group games or sports may lead to social exclusion
- Mental health: Anxiety and frustration are common, especially if DCD goes unrecognised
With the right support, children and adults with DCD can thrive—but they need understanding, not criticism.
💡 How Can We Help?
- Early identification is key—raising concerns with teachers, GPs, or health visitors can lead to support sooner
- Occupational therapy can help develop skills and strategies
- Adapted environments (e.g., pencil grips, visual schedules, more time for tasks) reduce pressure
- Encouragement matters—focusing on effort and progress builds resilience
🗣 Final Thoughts
Developmental Coordination Disorder is a real and often misunderstood condition. it’s about a brain that processes movement differently. When we recognise DCD for what it is, we open the door to the support, patience, and adaptations that can make a world of difference.
