Found to be more effective than process-oriented interventions.
Focuses on learning individual motor tasks.
May involve breaking tasks down into component parts and finding accommodation tools.
Focuses on improving general motor functioning and applying that improvement to specific motor skills.
Focuses on connecting perceptual or sensory skills with motor skills (Lindsay & Byington, 2020).
May include practicing motor skills which relate to time (moving fast vs. slow), direction (moving forwards vs. backwards vs. sideways), or spatial awareness (crossing arms or tapping heels).
May include practicing motor tasks alongside thinking tasks like math or reading.
Providing practice with motor skills can help overcome motor difficulties.
Simplify the motions when learning a new skill.
Verbalize steps out loud when learning a new skill.
Break new tasks down into parts; take them on one-by-one.
Exercise regularly.
DCD is made worse by a feedback loop in which avoiding exercise and activity leads to less practice and increasing difficulty with motor skills.
Be patient and understanding.
Allow extra time to complete tasks like notetaking, or provide notes after lectures.
Prioritize completion of motor tasks over perfection.
Provide social opportunities and support.
Provide social skills training
Support acceptance and celebration of individuality in all students
Encourage group engagement in all students.
Encourage engagement in group activities related to personal interests.
Provide chances to work with friends or supportive peers.
Make adjustments to tools.
Eg. change the sensitivity of computer mouses
Use accommodation technologies.
Alternatives to writing.
Eg. word processors or speech-to-text.
Eg. scribes.
Writing assistance tools.
Eg. pencil grips.
Eg. non-slip mats.
Eg. writing slopes.
Alternative seating.
Eg. back supports.
Eg. sloping desks.
Alternative clothing.
Eg. laceless shoes.
Eg. buttonless clothing.
Kaneshiro, N. K. (2020). Developmental coodination disorder. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001533.htm
Harris, S. R., Mickelson, E., & Zwicker, J. G. (2015). Diagnosis and management of developmental coordination disorder. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne, 187(9), 659–665. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.140994
Lindsay & Byington (2020). Perceptual motor development | Connecting the brain & the body, extension | University of Nevada, Reno, IP. https://extension.unr.edu/publication.aspx?PubID=2928