When a parent first hears the words Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), it can feel overwhelming. Suddenly, the daily struggles – difficulty using a fork, trouble climbing stairs, messy handwriting – have a name. But once you have that diagnosis, the biggest question becomes: what now?
This guide gives parents a clear, step-by-step roadmap. It’s written to help you take action without feeling lost in medical jargon or endless online searches.
What Should Parents Do First After a DCD Diagnosis?
The very first step is to breathe. A diagnosis doesn’t mean your child won’t thrive – it means you finally have clarity and a pathway forward.
DCD affects about 5–6% of school-aged children, making it more common than many parents realize. Yet awareness remains low, which is why getting professional evaluation and support matters so much.
Step 1 – Why Is Professional Evaluation So Important?
Even if your pediatrician or school suggested DCD, a full evaluation is critical. This is usually done by a pediatric neurologist, developmental pediatrician, or occupational therapist. They will:
- Confirm the diagnosis (to rule out other issues such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy).
- Assess the degree of motor challenges.
- Recommend which therapies (occupational, physical, or speech) are needed.
A detailed evaluation gives you a baseline. Without it, progress is harder to track, and your child may miss out on services they qualify for.
Step 2 – Which Screening Tools Help Clarify Next Steps?
After evaluation, screening tools make the picture clearer. These include:
- The Family Health Checker (FDNA’s free online tool): helps parents assess developmental issues and generate a structured report to bring to doctors or therapists.
- LDS (Little Developmental Scale) or ELMS (Early Learning Motor Scale): professional tools used to measure motor skill delays.
When combined, these tools quantify how severe the challenges are. This ensures therapy is tailored to your child’s actual needs.
Tip: Update the Family Health Checker every 3–6 months. This creates a timeline of progress that can be shared across all professionals – avoiding repeated testing and miscommunication.
Step 3 – Why Is Early Intervention Key?
The earlier therapy begins, the better the outcomes. Occupational therapists (OTs) work on practical tasks like dressing, eating, and writing. Physical therapists (PTs) focus on core strength and coordination.
Children with DCD often build skills slowly, but with consistent support, they can absolutely learn independence. Know What Are the Reasons for Developmental Coordination Disorder in a 5-Year-Old?
Real-life example:
Take Emily, a 5-year-old from Ohio. Her parents noticed she avoided playground climbing equipment and became frustrated during art projects. After evaluation, she began weekly occupational therapy. Within six months, Emily proudly showed off how she could now button her sweater and cut paper shapes. Her parents say the biggest change wasn’t just in skills, but in confidence.
Step 4 – Should Parents Explore Genetic Testing?
Not every child with DCD needs genetic testing. But if your child shows multiple delays – for example, speech, motor, and cognitive – or if your pediatrician suspects a broader condition like Global Developmental Delay (GDD), genetic testing may be recommended.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises following a structured pathway for children with multiple unexplained delays. This can identify conditions such as fragile X syndrome or other genetic syndromes that sometimes overlap with motor challenges.
If genetics is part of your child’s journey, remember testing provides information, not a sentence. It helps specialists tailor support even more effectively. Check out more here: Could My 5-year-old’s Developmental Coordination Disorder Be Genetic?
Step 5 – How Can Parents Keep Advocating Long Term?
DCD isn’t something that disappears overnight. But advocacy makes a huge difference. Here’s how:
- Use reports as communication tools: Bring your Family Health Checker updates to pediatric visits, therapy sessions, and school meetings.
- Ask for accommodations: Many U.S. schools provide occupational therapy or classroom support under an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 plan.
- Stay informed: DCD research is growing, and new therapies continue to emerge.
Advocacy means being the voice that ensures your child’s struggles are seen, supported, and not dismissed as “clumsiness.”
Family Health Checker Next-Steps Toolkit
Think of your Family Health Checker report as your child’s playbook. By updating it every few months and sharing it with doctors, therapists, and teachers, you prevent repeat tests and wasted appointments. It keeps everyone aligned and helps you see your child’s progress at a glance. All outputs are non-diagnostic and must be validated through clinical evaluation and appropriate testing.
FAQ
- Is developmental coordination disorder the same as dyspraxia?
Yes, in many countries, the term dyspraxia is used instead of DCD. In the U.S., clinicians prefer “Developmental Coordination Disorder,” but both describe difficulties with motor planning and coordination.
- What are the signs of dyspraxia?
Children may struggle with fine motor skills (using utensils, handwriting), gross motor skills (jumping, running, riding a bike), or daily routines (getting dressed, brushing teeth). They may appear “clumsy” compared to peers.
- What do dyspraxic people struggle with?
Challenges vary. Some have trouble with sports and playground activities, others with organization, sequencing, or memory. Many children also experience low self-esteem because they notice they are “different.” Early support helps prevent emotional fallout.
Conclusion: Turning a Diagnosis into a Roadmap
Hearing that your 5-year-old has Developmental Coordination Disorder can feel daunting. But with the right steps – professional evaluation, structured screening tools, early intervention, genetic testing when appropriate, and ongoing advocacy – you can transform uncertainty into empowerment.
Remember Emily, the little girl who went from avoiding buttons to proudly fastening her sweater? That’s the power of informed next steps.
Your child’s journey may not look exactly like others’, but with patience, structured support, and your advocacy, they can grow into their strengths. And tools like the Family Health Checker help ensure no progress goes unnoticed.
