Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting the acquisition of motor activities. In Canada, it affects 6% to 8% of school-age children. These children are known to have restricted participation in physical activity and an increased risk of developing cardio-metabolic diseases. In addition, the contribution of motor difficulties in these children to reduced self-esteem is well documented.
Because DCD is an invisible and complex disability, it can be difficult to recognize and screen for. Children may be misperceived as lazy or disruptive (ranging from clownish to oppositional). Comorbidities such as language impairment and ADHD further complicate the diagnosis.
Although the final diagnosis must be made by a physician, many others (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, physical educators, etc.) are called upon to identify and screen children with DCD. Physiotherapists play an essential role in assessing gross motor skills and certain exclusion criteria leading to a medical diagnosis.
Physiotherapists working in pediatrics in both private and public practice (1st to 3rd line) should be able to adequately screen for this frequent pathology. Effective screening could limit the multiple and secondary impacts of this condition in children.
This course is based both on our clinical experience and on international evidence and consensus. More specifically, it will address the aspects of screening and assessment of children with a DCD profile. As for intervention, this clinical process will be touched on at the end of this course (to be addressed specifically in a later course).
Very well done. Easy to follow. I liked the case histories. Thanks a lot!
Very interesting. Very competent instructors!
Very interesting! Would recommend.
Very good 5/5
Excellent course. Interest +++ in another intervention-based course. Thank you!