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Developmental coordination disorder - Overview

Definition of Developmental coordination disorder:

Developmental coordination disorder is a childhood disorder that leads to poor coordination and clumsiness.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

About 6% of school-age children have some kind of developmental coordination disorder. Children with this disorder may:

  • Have trouble holding objects
  • Have an unsteady walk
  • Run into other children
  • Trip over their own feet

Developmental coordination disorder may occur alone or with other learning disorders, such as communication disorders or disorder of written expression.

  • Reviewed last on: 11/2/2010
  • Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical Staff, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children’s Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Nass R, Ross G. Developmental disabilities. In: Bradley WG, Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J, eds. Neurology in Clinical Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Butterworth-Heinemann; 2008:chap 65.

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