neurodiversity 101: what is developmental …developmental coordination disorder (dcd) is a...

Definition Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a developmental condition that affects motor (movement) skills, coordination and balance. In the UK, it’s often known as Dyspraxia. DCD is distinct from other motor disorders such as Cerebral Palsy or Stroke. How common is DCD? Studies suggest that between 1.8 % and 4.9 % of UK children have DCD 1 . Common difficulties described by adults with DCD Adults with DCD often have the following difficulties: • Difficulties with everyday life skills, e.g. preparing a meal, ironing, DIY. • Difficulties with handwriting. • Difficulties with skills requiring balance. • Difficulties with tasks that need fine and accurate movements. • Slower to learn new skills requiring speed and accuracy, but once learnt can do them. Reasonable adjustments in the workplace There are a variety of ways to support someone with DCD. These include: • Avoid handwritten tasks. • Encourage improving typing skills, including teaching touch-typing if necessary. • Use text-to-speech software (there are several options – be prepared to try a few to find the option that works best for the individual). • Use alternative recording devices, e.g. use a tablet or phone to make audio recordings instead of writing notes. • Provide extra time for learning and/or practising new/unfamiliar tasks. • Teach new tasks or skills by first explaining, then demonstrating, then giving time to practise until the tasks or skills become automatic. • Break down tasks into small steps. • Encourage accuracy before speed. • Provide one-to-one feedback. • Arrange for regular, short meetings to review work. • Structure the job by breaking it down into parts and sequencing them. • Give specific feedback and provide it in writing as well as verbally. • Reduce background noise and minimise distractions where possible. • Use an electronic diary (e.g. on computer or phone) and set alarms for work reminders. • Synchronise the diary and phone. • Use apps to assist with planning, e.g. the phone/tablet app ‘Sorted: The Daily Organiser’. • Undertake a health and safety assessment, particularly if motor tasks are a considerable part of the job. © Do-IT Solutions Ltd. – Prof Amanda Kirby & Dr Mary Cleaton www.doitprofiler.com Neurodiversity 101: What is... Developmental Coordination Disorder? Strengths some describe Empathy Persistence

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Page 1: Neurodiversity 101: What is Developmental …Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a developmental condition that affects motor (movement) skills, coordination and balance

DefinitionDevelopmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a developmental condition that affects motor (movement) skills, coordination and balance. In the UK, it’s often known as Dyspraxia.

DCD is distinct from other motor disorders such as Cerebral Palsy or Stroke.

How common is DCD?Studies suggest that between 1.8 % and 4.9 % of UK children have DCD1.

Common difficulties described by adults with DCDAdults with DCD often have the following difficulties:• Difficulties with everyday life skills, e.g.

preparing a meal, ironing, DIY.• Difficulties with handwriting.• Difficulties with skills requiring balance.• Difficulties with tasks that need fine and

accurate movements.• Slower to learn new skills requiring speed

and accuracy, but once learnt can do them.

Reasonable adjustments in the workplaceThere are a variety of ways to support someone with DCD. These include:• Avoid handwritten tasks.• Encourage improving typing skills, including

teaching touch-typing if necessary. • Use text-to-speech software (there are

several options – be prepared to try a few to find the option that works best for the individual).

• Use alternative recording devices, e.g. use a tablet or phone to make audio recordings instead of writing notes.

• Provide extra time for learning and/or practising new/unfamiliar tasks.

• Teach new tasks or skills by first explaining,

then demonstrating, then giving time to practise until the tasks or skills become automatic.

• Break down tasks into small steps.• Encourage accuracy before speed.• Provide one-to-one feedback.• Arrange for regular, short meetings to

review work.• Structure the job by breaking it down into

parts and sequencing them.• Give specific feedback and provide it in

writing as well as verbally.• Reduce background noise and minimise

distractions where possible.• Use an electronic diary (e.g. on computer

or phone) and set alarms for work reminders.