What is DCD?
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a child’s ability to learn and carry out everyday motor skills. Children with DCD experience significant challenges in activities that require coordination, balance, and movement planning.
How can DCD impact a child's life?
DCD can impact many areas of a child’s daily life, including:
- Sports and play – difficulty with balance, jumping, hopping, or skipping.
- Self-care skills – challenges with body awareness, dressing, or managing fastenings like buttons and zips.
- School skills – handwriting, drawing, and scissor use may be slow, messy, or unusually difficult.
These difficulties can affect a child’s confidence, participation, and independence in home, school, and community life.
How is DCD diagnosed?
Diagnosis of DCD is a two-part process:
- Occupational therapy assessment
- Our Occupational Therapists complete a detailed assessment of your child’s motor coordination.
- The report includes assessment results, whether the child meets criteria for DCD, and recommendations for support. - Medical practitioner review
- A Paediatrician (or another medical specialist) must make the final diagnosis.
- This step ensures that other conditions or medical explanations are ruled out before confirming DCD.
Why is important to seek an assessment?
An early and accurate assessment helps families and schools understand a child’s unique needs. With the right diagnosis and recommendations, children can access appropriate supports — including therapy, classroom adjustments, and community programs — to build confidence and independence.
How do I register interest?
If you're interested in hearing more about a DCD assessment, please submit an online enquiry to us via the below link.
Submit a DCD assessment enquiry