Summary
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).
Objectives
1. Recognize DCD-like manifestations in different life contexts (school, leisure, sports) ;
2. Recognize clinical signs specific to DCD ;
3. Identify the diagnostic criteria for DCD ;
4. Know the exclusion criteria (e.g. signs of neurological damage) ;
5. Know the comorbidities associated with DCD and understand their possible impact on the clinical profile ;
6. Be able to document diagnostic and exclusion criteria through specific physiotherapy assessment in line with international consensus ;
7. Be able to determine the right time to refer the child for a diagnosis of DCD.
Course Content
Target professionals
Content is not intended for use outside the scope of the learner’s license or regulation. Continuing education courses should not be taken by people who are not licensed or regulated.This does not apply when they are part of a specific plan of care. By participating in this course, the participant agrees to respect his/her professional scope of practice.
Great training! I’m a kinesiologist working with young people with ASD, and this training will help me better understand their challenges and clarify my areas of expertise.
The videos and your patient case studies were really appreciated! Thank you!!