Developmental Coordination Disorder

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a motor skill disorder that affects parts of the brain that learns and remembers motions. It is not related to intelligence. DCD affects approximately 5-6% of school-aged kids, with slightly more boys being diagnosed than girls. The exact cause is unknown. Research shows that it may be connected to low and premature birth weight. DCD results in difficulties with coordination, balance, body awareness, and movement skills like riding a bike, jumping jacks, running, jumping, skipping, kicking, throwing, catching, and playing sports. Kids tend to have a hard time imitating and learning new skills even with many repetitions and keeping up with peers their age. With inactivity, children are at higher risk of having heart disease, overweight, poor fitness, and self-esteem/social/emotional problems.

While DCD continues throughout life, the good news is that PT can help kids and teens improve their coordination, balance, strength, school and daily activities by learning to use new movement strategies. Here are some exercises you can try at home to work on coordination and balance:

STAND LIKE A FLAMINGO:

KICK A BALL:

SQUAT:

JUMP OVER HURDLES/OBJECTS:

WALK THE “TIGHTROPE”: FORWARD AND BACKWARDS

SIDESTEPS

Make An Obstacle Course: (Use cones, pillows, and boxes to step on objects, to step over, and step around)

Want to learn more? Check out this website: https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-developmental-coordination-disorder Does your child have a developmental coordination disorder? Call Zion PT at (212) 353-8693 or email schedule@zionpt.com to get assessed and treated!