Developmental coordination disorder (DCD)

Developmental Coordination Disorder is a motor skills disorder in which children have difficulty learning and performing everyday movement tasks. DCD affects around 5–6% of school-aged children, and can interfere with common daily activities such as dressing, ball skills, balance, handwriting-related tasks, playground participation and sport. Children with DCD benefit from early identification and targeted support to develop strategies, improve confidence and reduce secondary difficulties. 

Physiotherapy can help children with DCD by identifying which motor tasks are most important to them, then building those skills through goal-oriented, evidence-based practice. Intervention focuses on carefully selected, meaningful tasks that matter in everyday life, such as riding a bike, climbing, catching a ball, learning playground games, or managing school and community activities. 

At Lumi Kids, Moira can support assessment for DCD, including use of the MABC-3 assessment as part of a broader clinical assessment when appropriate. Physiotherapy management for children with DCD may include:

• assessment of balance, coordination and functional motor skills

• identifying how movement difficulties are affecting everyday life at home, school and in the community

• a goal-oriented therapy program targeting meaningful functional tasks

• advice on environmental modifications and task adaptation

• recommendations for sport, play and toy selection that build confidence and skill

• liaison with families, teachers and other professionals where helpful

The aim is not perfection of movement, but helping children participate more successfully and confidently in the activities that matter most to them.