Health Library

Developmental Coordination Disorder

What Causes Developmental Coordination Disorder?

The exact cause of DCD is unknown. Research shows it may be related to how the brain develops and functions. Studies using brain imaging (like functional MRIs) have found that kids with DCD use different brain pathways for movement than their peers.

A few things that may increase the chances of having DCD include:

• Being born early (before 32 weeks)
• Being male (boys are about twice as likely to have DCD)
• Having a family history of motor learning challenges

DCD is not caused by an injury, illness or any one thing a parent, teacher or coach does.

What are the Symptoms of Developmental Coordination Disorder?

DCD can look different for every child, but here are some common signs to watch for:

At home, you might notice:

• Trouble getting dressed or using silverware
• Avoiding physical activities like bike riding or ball games
• Frequently dropping or spilling things
• Needing more help than other kids their age

At school, you might notice:

• Struggles with handwriting or art projects
• Slow or messy work, even when they try hard
• Difficulty with gym class or recess games
• Trouble following multi-step instructions

Emotionally and socially, they may:

• Get frustrated or give up easily
• Seem anxious or have low self-esteem
• Avoid group play or say they are “bad at everything”

How is Developmental Coordination Disorder Diagnosed?

DCD is usually diagnosed in school-aged children, but signs may appear earlier. A doctor must make the diagnosis, often with help from occupational therapy and physical therapy teams.

To be diagnosed with DCD, a child must meet four main criteria:

1. Their motor skills are below what is expected for their age.
2. The coordination problems affect daily life, like school, self-care or play.
3. The issues began early in childhood (not from an injury).
4. The problems can’t be explained by another diagnosis (like a muscle disease, brain disorder or intellectual disability).

Therapists often use screening tools like the DCDQ (Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire), which parents can fill out at home to describe how their child moves and functions in everyday life. This helps the care team get a clearer picture of how motor difficulties may be affecting the child across different settings.

Therapists can also use standardized movement tests, such as the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-2), to measure a child’s motor skills compared to others their age. These tools guide clinical decision making and help determine whether further evaluation or intervention is needed. Therapists may also gather information from school reports, parent observations and developmental histories to support diagnosis and treatment planning. Families may be asked to share details about how their child handles daily activities at home, school and in social settings.

Because symptoms of DCD can overlap with ADHD or autism, it is important to rule out other conditions or identify when they exist together.

How is Developmental Coordination Disorder Treated?

There is no medicine to cure DCD, but the right strategies and therapies can make everyday tasks much easier. Treatment focuses on helping kids build skills, confidence and independence. A combination of therapies, especially occupational and physical therapy, often leads to the best long-term outcomes. These therapists team up to build personalized strategies that help your child thrive at home, in school and during play.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Occupational therapists help kids improve the small, detailed movements needed for tasks like writing, cutting with scissors, getting dressed or brushing their teeth. They focus on building independence through practice and repetition, often by breaking tasks into manageable steps.

Physical Therapy (PT)

Physical therapists support kids with balance, coordination, posture and strength. They help with big-body movements like climbing stairs, jumping or catching a ball. PT is especially helpful if your child avoids physical activity or struggles in gym class.

The CO-OP Approach: Teaching Kids to Problem Solve

One of the most effective therapy tools for kids with DCD is called the CO-OP Approach (Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance). It teaches kids how to think through a task.

Using Goal – Plan – Do – Check, your child learns to:

• Set a goal: “I want to tie my shoes.”
• Make a plan: “First, I’ll cross the laces, then loop one side...”
• Do the plan: Try it!
• Check: “Did I use my plan? Did my plan work?”

Instead of stepping in and fixing things, adults guide kids to figure it out themselves. This process builds confidence, resilience and the ability to use the same problem-solving skills in other areas of life.

Using M.A.T.C.H. Strategies to Reinforce CO-OP at Home and School

While CO-OP helps kids develop their own plans, M.A.T.C.H. helps you adapt the environment and expectations so they can succeed more easily. 

M.A.T.C.H. stands for: 

• Modify the task: Use tools or shortcuts. For example, switch from shoelaces to Velcro, or use a pencil grip to help with writing.
• Alter expectations: Focus on the process, not perfection. Celebrate effort, not just results.
• Teach strategies: Help your child think through tasks by asking questions instead of giving answers. “What’s your first step?”
• Change the environment: Reduce distractions or simplify a workspace. Create routines to support consistency.
• Help by understanding: Teach others (like teachers and family) about DCD and how to support your child without judgment.

When families and schools combine CO-OP’s planning steps with M.A.T.C.H.’s supportive tips, kids are more likely to succeed, feel confident and keep trying even when things feel hard.

Prognosis for Patients with Developmental Coordination Disorder

DCD does not go away, but children can learn to manage it well with the right help. Many adults with DCD live full, successful lives. Some challenges, like driving or sports, may continue into adulthood, but early support builds skills and confidence to face them.

What matters most is recognizing and valuing your child’s effort and progress, not just their performance. With patience, love and the right support, kids with DCD can, and do, succeed.

If you think your child might have DCD, talk to your pediatrician or ask for a referral to occupational or physical therapy. You are not alone, and there are tools, strategies and support that can make a difference.