Physiotherapy
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia, affects how children plan, coordinate and carry out movements. Climbing, jumping, catching or riding a bike can take much more effort than it does for other kids. Children with DCD tire quickly and are sometimes labelled as “lazy,” but that couldn’t be further from the truth: their brain is working overtime to figure out how to move. With structured, play-based therapy, children can make steady progress and build confidence.
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What are the signs of DCD?
- Difficulty climbing, jumping, catching or balancing
- Tripping or falling more often than other children
- Avoiding sports or physical play
- Learning new motor skills more slowly, like riding a bike or skipping
- Getting tired quickly during physical activity
- Frustration during physical tasks
- Difficulty with everyday tasks like getting dressed, using utensils or handwriting
This is not an exhaustive list. Please contact our clinic for more information.
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How does physiotherapy help children with DCD?
- Improves balance, coordination and strength
- Builds motor planning by breaking skills into small, manageable steps
- Increases endurance so physical activity feels less tiring
- Uses graded play activities that gradually increase in complexity
- Supports confidence and participation at school, at recess and in sports
In a nutshell
How can we help your child?
- Assessing your child’s balance, coordination, strength and motor planning using a whole body approach
- Developing a program specific to your child’s goals, from the playground to sports
- Utilizing our gym equipment, such as the climbing wall, therapeutic swings, balance discs and more
- Strengthening the inner core for better posture, balance and coordination
- Working with our occupational therapists when handwriting and fine motor skills are affected
- Educating families with strategies and home activities: focus on effort, break tasks into steps and keep it playful
