Children sometimes have coordination problems that have led to labels of “clumsy” in the past. These disorders are now classified under developmental coordination disorder (DCD) where several life areas are affected causing difficulty with fine motor skills, gross motor skills, motor planning, and coordination.
For example, children with DCD often struggle with handwriting, adaptive fine motor, and gross motor skills. This is especially noted when increased levels of dexterity and coordination of objects and movements (pencil use, toy manipulation, running, and tying shoes, etc.) are necessary and this can result in them appearing clumsy, careless, or uncoordinated.
Some children with developmental coordination disorder have poor perceptual and motor skills.
Children struggling with coordination difficulties will feel the effects in several life areas. Additional examples of activities for screening and observation include:
- Does your child seemingly trip over “nothing,” or bump into things often?
- Have you noticed your child struggling to get up stairs?
- Does he or she knock drinks, toys, food, or other items over daily?
- Do they have poor posture?
- Is their handwriting illegible? Do they have difficulty using scissors or eating utensils?
- One of our pediatric physical and/or occupational therapists will be able to assess your child’s fine and gross motor skills as well as their overall coordination. Your child’s therapist will work collaboratively in developing a treatment plan and to best educate and assist your family.
