Development of an Assessment Tool and Integrated Management Protocol for Children with Development Co-Ordination Disorder

Abstract

Among the plethora of minor childhood disabilities is Development Coordination Disorder (DCD). It is a chronic neurological disorder which starts in childhood and manifests itself as marked impairments in motor coordination, interfering with the participation of the children in their home and academic activities. DCD is believed to affect 5-6 per cent of school-aged children (American Psychiatric Association, 2000) and tends to occur more frequently in boys. DCD can exist on its own or it may be present in a child who also has learning disabilities, speech/language difficulties, and/or attention deficit disorder. Educators and parents who are with the child every day may be the first to notice the difficulties that the child is experiencing. Children with DCD who are not recognised may experience failure and frustration, are often perceived to be lazy or unmotivated, and may develop additional physical, social, and behavioural problems.