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Why bother about clumsiness? The implications of having developmental coordination disorder (DCD)

Christopher Gillberg1, Björn Kadesjö

  • 1Götebörg University, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Göteborg, Sweden. viktoria.oberg@pediat.gu.se

Neural Plasticity
|December 3, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) affects many school-aged children, often co-occurring with ADHD and autism. Increased awareness and research in child neurology and psychiatry are crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Child neurology
  • Developmental pediatrics
  • Child psychiatry

Background:

  • Developmental coordination disorder (DCD), previously termed 'clumsy child syndrome,' is a prevalent motor disorder in school-aged children.
  • DCD disproportionately affects boys and frequently co-occurs with other neurodevelopmental conditions.
  • High rates of comorbid DCD are observed in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), including Asperger syndrome.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the significant comorbidity between DCD and psychopathology, particularly ADHD and ASDs.
  • To underscore the lack of awareness regarding DCD comorbidity among child psychiatrists and neurologists.
  • To advocate for a greater research and clinical focus on DCD within child neurology and psychiatry.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and clinical observation synthesis.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data on DCD prevalence and comorbidity.
  • Review of diagnostic criteria and clinical presentations.

Main Results:

  • DCD is a common condition affecting several percent of school-aged children.
  • A high comorbidity rate exists between DCD and ADHD/ASDs, with reciprocal associations.
  • Psychiatrists and neurologists often overlook the behavioral and emotional aspects of DCD or the motor challenges in children with ADHD/ASDs.

Conclusions:

  • There is a critical need for improved recognition and management of DCD in pediatric clinical practice.
  • Enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration between child neurology, psychiatry, and developmental pediatrics is essential.
  • Further research is required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize treatment strategies for comorbid DCD.

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