What is included in the diagnostic criteria for Developmental Coordination Disorder?

The diagnostic criteria for Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) emphasizes the significance of age-appropriate motor skill coordination difficulties as a central feature of the disorder. Individuals diagnosed with DCD typically experience challenges in planning and executing coordinated movements, which can affect their ability to perform everyday tasks such as writing, buttoning shirts, or participating in sports. This difficulty arises despite having the opportunity to learn these skills and having adequate physical ability.

The presence of age-appropriate standards for motor skills is crucial because the severity of coordination problems must be inappropriate for the individual’s developmental age to support the diagnosis of DCD. This aligns with the understanding that motor coordination involves complex cognitive processes and physical execution capabilities, which may vary significantly among children.

By focusing on the specific difficulties in motor skills coordination relative to developmental expectations, this criterion helps in distinguishing DCD from other conditions that might affect motor skills or overall development.