Does your child appear clumsy and move awkwardly, bumping into objects and falling a lot? Do they need to be taught physical skills rather than picking them up instinctively? Do they find it hard to run, jump, hop and have poor ball skills?
Was your child delayed in reaching motor milestones such as sitting, crawling and walking? Did they find it hard playing games requiring co-ordination, such as stacking bricks?
Is it hard for your child to organise themselves, follow instructions, get dressed, use cutlery and do they have poor handwriting? Do they tend to be disruptive in class?
If some of these paint a picture of your child or a child you may know, it could be they have a condition called Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD); also known as Dyspraxia. This affects 5% of school aged children. In most cases, the cause of DCD is not known. It is the result of a disruption in how messages are transmitted between the brain and the body and can often run in families.
Identifying DCD at a young age, means the correct support early on can be provided, to help reduced the gap in a child’s physical, learning, emotional and social development.
Physiotherapy is a key part of treatment for children with DCD, enabling them to reach their full physical potential, improve self esteem and self confidence. The aim is to improve their muscle strength proximally (in their trunk) so they can fix through here to help with the co-ordination and movement in their limbs. Activities are fun, motivational and progressed as required. Exercises to carry out at home between sessions are tailored to the child’s individual needs.
If you wish to discuss any concerns you may have with your child’s development, please feel free to contact me. Further information about other conditions treated and contact details can be found here www.childrensphysiotw.com
