Developmental Coordination Disorder in Children

This disorder is included in DSM III-R and DSM IV, and typically affects children. b. Characteristics of the Disorder are marked by slow performance in activities requiring motor coordination. Children with this disorder are clumsy in learning, take a long time to perform activities such as sitting, reading, crawling, walking, etc., and it is usually accompanied by learning disabilities, communication disorders, disruptive behavior disorders, and hyperactivity. c. Diagnostic criteria: 1. Slow performance in daily activities requiring motor coordination makes the child clumsy, prone to dropping things, and underachieving. 2. Criterion 1 interferes with academic achievement and activities of daily living. 3. The disorder is not due to a general medical condition and does not meet the criteria for a pervasive developmental disorder. 4. If intellectual disability (MR) is present, it will further impair the child's developmental coordination. d. Etiological factors for the disorder: Several factors causing the disorder are unknown. Hypotheses include prematurity, hypoxia, prenatal malnutrition, low birth weight, and neurochemical abnormalities. e. Therapy: Involves neurophysiological exercise techniques, Montessori techniques, and counseling. f. References: Kaplan, Harold I., Sadock, Benjamin J, Grebb, Jack A. (2002). Synopsis of Psychiatry: Clinical Psychiatric Science. Jakarta: Binarupa Aksara. Source: http://tyaset4.blog.com/2010/02/gangguan-koordinasi-perkembangan-anak/