Developmental Coordination Disorder

Paper Summary:

The paper relates that the lack of a known cause of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) raises the uncertainty of the most effective treatment method. The paper focuses on the two treatments therapists usually opt for; task-oriented interventions (top-down approaches) that teach purposeful goals, or an attempt to treat the underlying motor issues (bottom-up approaches) at the neural and muscular level. The paper points out that, although these therapies benefit the subjects, they do not serve as cures for their significant motor deficits. The paper concludes that this reinforces the need for further research as to the exact cause of DCD.

Outline:
Bottom-Up
Top-Down
Future Research
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Thirteen years ago, researchers agreed upon including "Developmental Coordination Disorder" (DCD) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV) (Iversen, Ellertsen, & Tytlandsvik, 2005). Today, a diagnosis of DCD often replaces the previously common assumption that a child who has uncoordinated motor skills is simply clumsy or going through an awkward phase. Approximately 5-8% of children between 5 and 11 years are diagnosed with DCD and therefore have significantly impaired motor function, which interferes with their activities of daily living. While many theories exist regarding the etiology of DCD, such as a secondary result of neuronal damage or neonatal insult, researchers have not defined an exact cause (Barnhart, Davenport, Epps, & Nordquist, 2007)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Barnhart R.C., Davenport M.J., Epps S.B., & Nordquist V.M. (2007). Developmental coordination disorder. (Update). (Motor coordination in children) [Electronic version]. Physical Therapy, 83(8), 722-731.
• Inder J.M, & Sullivan S.J. (2004). Does an educational kinesiology intervention affect postural control in children with a developmental coordination disorder? [Electronic version]. Clinical Kinesiology: Journal of American Kinesiotherapy Association, 58(4), 9-26.
• Iversen S., Ellertsen B., Tytlandsvik A., & Nodland M. (2005). Intervention for 6-year-old children with motor coordination difficulties: parental perspectives at follow-up in middle childhood [Electronic version]. Advances in Physiotherapy, 7(2), 67-76.
• Kaufman L.B., & Schilling D.L. (2007). Implementation of a strength training program for a 5-year-old child with poor body awareness and developmental coordination disorder. Physical Therapy, 87(4), 455-467.
• Miyahara M., & Wafer A. (2004). Clinical intervention for children with developmental coordination disorder: a multiple case study [Electronic version]. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 21(3), 281-300.

More papers on Developmental Coordination Disorder:

• Research Paper # 106441 : "Treating Developmental Coordination Disorder"
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