Developmental coordination disorder – clinical features and treatment options

Abstract

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is usually recognized after the age of five but may have lifelong motor, coordination, and cognition consequences. The criteria for setting a diagnosis refer to the presence of the following: performance of coordinated motor skills below that expected for chronological age, a deficit of motor skills that significantly and persistently interferes with activities of daily living, the onset of symptoms in an early developmental period, and a lack of motor skills that cannot be explained by intellectual disability or other neurological conditions that affect movement. This clinical picture is often comorbid with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and some other neurodevelopmental disorders. Prevailing DCD management includes task-oriented interventions as well as interventions focused on reducing impairment and improving physical function. The aim of the paper is to summarize typical DCD features related to diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, etiology, and comorbidities, as well as to present current management options.

Keywords: developmental coordination disorder; diagnostic criteria; comorbidity; task-oriented intervention