Kulsum International Hospital

Developmental Coordination Disorder

On this page
  1. Overview
  2. Signs
  3. Causes and risk factors
  4. Diagnosis
  5. Treatment
  6. When to see a doctor

Overview

Children with developmental coordination disorder have normal intelligence but find it difficult to plan and carry out movements. Therapy and support help them improve.

Signs

  • Late reaching movement milestones
  • Clumsiness and frequent falls
  • Difficulty with handwriting, buttons, using cutlery or tying laces
  • Difficulty with sports, catching or riding a bicycle

Causes and risk factors

The cause is not fully understood. It is more common in children born prematurely or with low birth weight, and in boys.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by a specialist after assessing movement skills and ruling out other conditions.

Treatment

Occupational therapy and physiotherapy help develop skills. Support at school, such as extra time and adapted tools, helps learning.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if your child is very clumsy or struggles with everyday movement tasks compared with other children.

This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. For a medical emergency, call +92-51-8446666 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Our doctors

Consultants in the KIH departments that diagnose and treat Developmental Coordination Disorder.