Celebrating Inclusion
Developmental Coordination Disorder
What is DCD?
Frequently described as "clumsy" or "awkward" by their parents and teachers, children with DCD have difficulty mastering simple motor activities, such as tying shoes or going down stairs and are unable to perform age-appropriate academic and self-care tasks. Some children may experience difficulties in a variety of areas while others may have problems only with specific activities. Children with DCD usually have normal or above-average intellectual abilities. However, their motor coordination difficulties may impact their academic progress, social integration, and emotional development.
For a list of some of the more common characteristics that may be observed in a child with DCD, CLICK HERE
canchild.ca
Succeeding At School
Children who have coordination difficulties struggle with many routine tasks that other children do with ease during a typical school day. Printing, cutting with scissors, opening lunch containers, organizing work on a page, tying shoes, buttoning jeans, playing games at recess can all be sources of frustration for a child with coordination difficulties. Older students who have mastered some of these basic skills may still have difficulties with organization of time/materials, quality/speed of written output, participation in physical education classes and in sports. These children may have Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). canchild.ca
Self Care Routines
A two-minute video supporting routines for motor skills and hygiene.
DCD in Secondary School
A five-minute video using MATCH for success.
Teach Your Child to Tie Shoes
A two-minute video how to teach your child to tie shoes.
What are common accommodations for students with motor coordination difficulties?
While all plans should be individualized and based on a child’s specific learning profile, there are quite a few accommodations that we have found to be helpful for many children who have motor coordination difficulties. CLICK HERE for a list of ideas.
For further supports and services
A physiotherapist and an Occupational Therapist can share a wealth of information, strategies, and resources to support a child with fine and gross motor difficulty.
Brought to you by Horizon School Division
Taber Parent Inclusion Committee
Proud partner with Horizon School Division