Developmental coordination disorder

Abstract

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD), sometimes referred to as dyspraxia, is a common disorder affecting fine and gross motor coordination. DCD is a lifelong condition which affects all areas of life, making it difficult for people to carry out activities in the realms of home, education and the workplace that others take for granted. It is a hidden condition which is still poorly understood. Signs are present from an early age but may not be recognised until a child starts school or even later in life as teenagers or adults. This article aims to help build GPs’ understanding of DCD as a condition, as well as: its prevalence and impact: signs and symptoms: and outlines considerations for the primary care clinicans to support screening, diagnosis and intervention. Informed by literature review and expert consensus, the European Academy of Childhood Disability (EACD), has produced international clinical practice recommendations for the definition, diagnosis, assessment and intervention of DCD. This article draws on these and current literature as well as the author’s experience of working with children and young people with DCD.