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Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is aneurodevelopmental condition.
Otherwise known asdyspraxia, this disorder affects the development of motor skills and functions.
A child with dyspraxia is often regarded as clumsy, and may experience difficulty with movement.
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This disorder prevents fluidity in activities like walking and holding objects, as expected of the childs age group.
Such difficulties may continue well into adolescence and adulthood.
Despite its widespread nature, dyspraxia often goes unnoticedeven under observation by health experts.
This guide will examine the signs and symptoms of developmental coordination disorder.
To understand the origins of dyspraxia, the causes of this condition will be explored.
We will also examine the different types, and management options available to control the effects of DCD.
Among these are fine and gross motor skills.
The former is responsible for minor movements such as picking things up, holding items, drawing, etc.
Gross motor skills require large muscle movements.
Research also suggests that postnatal exposure to steroids can be responsible for a childs difficulties with motor coordination.
Other studies identify a greater risk for obesity in children with DCD.
It is believed by some estimates that boys are 1.7 times more likely to live with dyspraxia than girls.
Diagnosis of Developmental Coordination Disorder
An accurate diagnosis of dyspraxia requires the expertise of professionals.
This condition can lead to compromised physical well-being, obesity, hypermobility of the joints, andmental health challenges.
Management techniques may be task-based or process-oriented.
Other approaches include physical therapy and medication.
Likewise, it can be difficult for parents and loved ones that witness these issues firsthand.
Developmental coordination disorder is, however, manageable with the right treatment methods and therapies.
Before deciding on a management approach, it’s important to speak with an expert.
These experts can provide a correct diagnosis and advice on the next steps to take.
Kirby A, Sugden DA.Children with developmental coordination disorders.J R Soc Med.
A Systematic Review.Front Psychol.
Published 2019 Dec 3. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02670
NIH.Developmental Dyspraxia Information.
2019;25(2).
2000;2(5):159-164. doi:10.4088/pcc.v02n0502
