Developmental Co-ordination Disorder

(Also refered to as Dyspraxia)

Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD), also known as developmental dyspraxia, is a condition affecting physical co-ordination.  It causes a child to perform less well than expected in daily activities for their age, and appear to move more clumsily than their peers. It persists into adulthood. DCD is thought to be around 3 or 4 times more common in boys than girls, and the condition sometimes runs in families.

child having fun during treatment in a specialist physiotherapy session strengthening arms
specialist physiotherapist teaching good posture, strength and improving balance for child
Having fun during advanced balance practice in Physio for child with dyspraxia, developmental co-ordination disorder
Having fun during advanced balance and posture practice in Physio for child with dcd, dyspraxia
Fun physio in DCD, dyspraxia improving strength and dynamic balance.
child having fun running during treatment in a specialist physiotherapy session improving balance and co- ordination

What are the common affects of DCD?

DCD affects individual children very differently impacting; coordination, balance, handwriting, concentration and spatial awareness as well as self-esteem. Children with DCD often experience difficulties with concentration and following instructions.

As a leading physiotherapist in the treatment of this condition, Heather Angilley helps children and families affected by DCD through direct treatment and individual advice.

Key areas of treatment

  • identifying underlying physical problems
  • minimising the impact of coordination and other affects of DCD
  • direct treatment and fun activities to do at home
  • maintaining a child’s self-esteem by helping them to understand their difficulties
  • signposting families to further support
  • liaising with teachers, sports coaches and club leaders, helping them to understand and react appropriately to the problems and outline strategies that can be used both in school and other settings.