The Diagnosis and Development of DCD
Diagnosis is usually received between the ages of five and seven (Soriano et al., 2015). Motor impairment alone does not qualify a child for diagnosis of DCD, it must negatively affect some other aspect of their life. The motor impairment also must not be caused by or have symptoms of an identifiable neurological problem such ataxia or spasticity, sensory loss or involuntary movements (Banhart et al., 2003) Different professionals are involved in the diagnostic process of DCD, most notably child neurologists, psychiatrists or pediatricians. They examine the child’s medical conditions and the general neurological function of cranial nerves, motor and sensory systems and the cerebellum. If there is an evidence of mental retardation, pervasive developmental disorder or severe neurological impairments, a diagnosis other than DCD will be made (Miyahara and Mobs, 1995).
Common diagnosis strategies also include the use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which includes 4 different criterions. In terms of Criteria A for diagnosis, a child with DCD will perform daily activities that require motor coordination at a lower level than expected given the person’s chronological age and measured intelligence. This can be seen as marked delays in achieving motor milestones, dropping things, clumsiness and poor performance in sports. Criterion B is noted by a disturbance in academic achievement or activities of daily living. DCD usually impairs a child's success in school. Criterion C excludes other general medical conditions such as cerebral palsy, hemiplegia or muscular dystrophy. Criterion D is to exclude the possibility of mental retardation (Geuze et al., 2015). If mental retardation is present, the testable IQ of the child must be greater than 70 and the motor impairment must be greater than what would normally be expected for children with mental retardation in order to be diagnosed with DCD (Banhart et al., 2003).
Prognosis
DCD is a lifelong disease, starting from birth and lasts into adulthood. Individuals with DCD visit occupational, physical and speech therapists in order to lessen their disability. This improves their quality of life by helping improve motor skills and allowing them to learn basic tasks. Characteristics of DCD overlap with numerous other diseases such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and Asperger’s Syndrome as seen below (Brookes, 2007). Children with DCD are clumsy, and without intervention, they will not improve. Many studies were conducted, in which the children’s disabilities were tested at a younger age compared to a few years later, wherein their disability had progressed or remained the same (Losse et al., 2008).The severity of the condition depends on the interventions taken place which ease their difficulties and allows them to lead normal lives. Thus, the sooner children are diagnosed with DCD, the faster treatment can begin. which ensures a greater chance of improvement in their lives.
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- Causes and Symptoms of DCD Roxanna Kuperman