Physical Therapy for Development Coordination Syndrome

Development Coordination Syndrome (DCD) is a  condition that is also referred to as dyspraxia, disorder of attention and motor perception, sensory integration disorder, and a myriad of other appellations describing the same symptom: clumsiness. Since DCD is a mesh between child psychology and pediatrics the frequent name changing that psychology is known for is brought to a condition that is physical. While DCD is often attributed to attention disorders such as ADHD there are differences in each condition.

The symptoms relating to DCD are entirely based within a child’s (or adult’s) motor capabilities. For example: tying shoes, climbing stairs, or poor penmanship are typical symptoms of DCD; however ADHD is usually determined by tests of retention, like having a child read a paragraph and recite what they had read. While children with ADHD seem uncoordinated due to hyperactivity they usually have control over their motor functions, this is what causes the two conditions to be equated to one another.

DCD is often a permanent condition, but physical therapy has been shown to subdue it by improving muscle strength and balance. Simple gait training and other physical therapy techniques can prevent the disorder from becoming far too overbearing  Before assuming that you or your child has DCD check in with a physician and have them perform an examinations as the symptoms of DCD do often overlap with other developmental issues.

On Long Island, Island Sports Physical Therapy is offering assistance for children and adults with DCD. Island Sports Physical Therapy has six locations with an extensive list of available services.