DCD Physiotherapy
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a motor skill disorder, diagnosed when there are substantial difficulties coordinating movements not due to another condition. A child with DCD may demonstrate difficulties with activities such as self-care, hand writing, cutting with scissors, running, skipping and ball skills.
DCD is a diagnosis made by a paediatrician in conjunction with other allied health professionals. It is a relatively common condition – 5-6% of children receive a DCD diagnosis. The disorder may be lifelong. Children with DCD are often described as clumsy or awkward in movement when compared to children of a similar age
As a parent or caregiver, you may observe your child:
- Bumping into things
- Having difficulty learning new skills
- Having difficulty planning movements as a part of a sequence
- Rushing through tasks
- Having difficulty handwriting
Our physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment of your child, looking in detail at looking at motor skills and how they are performed. They will assess how your child’s muscles, joints, neural system and sensory systems (including vision, sensation, proprioception and vestibular) function and are working together in motor planning tasks and perceptual abilities. A standardised assessment may be conducted to assist in diagnosis and gauge progress.
Physiotherapy intervention focuses on improving your childs motor skills. Treatment may include:
- Strength training to improve movement control
- Task specific training, i.e. ball skills and running
- Balance activities
- Postural control activities
- Coordination skills, i.e., skipping
- Sensory systems: touch and proprioception
- Liaison and referral to other health professionals as required
Your child’s physiotherapy management plan will be tailor made, taking into consideration your family and schedule. At AIM Therapy, we take great pride in delivering Physiotherapy services as unique as your child from assessment to intervention to meeting goals. If you would like more information about our services or would like to go ahead with a booking, we welcome you to contact us 6150 8339 or hello@aimtherapy.com.au.
