During a pediatric exam for children with developmental coordination disorder, which aspect is particularly examined?

In the context of a pediatric exam for children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), the examination of muscle tone is particularly relevant. DCD is characterized by difficulties in coordination and movement, which can be linked to the underlying neuromuscular factors, including muscle tone.

Assessing muscle tone helps clinicians understand the child’s motor skills progression and identify any abnormalities that may impact their coordination abilities. Abnormal muscle tone, whether it is too high (hypertonia) or too low (hypotonia), can significantly affect a child's ability to perform everyday tasks that require fine and gross motor skills. Evaluating muscle tone allows for a more comprehensive picture of the child's current abilities and can help in developing tailored intervention strategies to improve their coordination and overall functioning.

While emotional well-being, dietary habits, and vision and hearing are important components of a child's overall health and development, they are not the primary focus when specifically assessing developmental coordination disorder.