DCD stands for “Developmental Coordination Disorder”.

It is a motor disorder characterised by a noticeable and persistent problem with learning and/or performing motor skills. These difficulties have a clear impact on everyday life. The child or adult is slower and clumsier when eating, washing, dressing, playing ball games, writing, doing household chores, etc. There are no specific medical or neurological abnormalities that could explain the coordination problems (such as intellectual disability, muscular disease, cerebral palsy or visual impairment).
They also often have difficulties with spatial-visual perception and with planning and organising in general (in terms of time and space). These organisational difficulties become more noticeable in later life (partly because those around them expect them to be able to structure their own daily routine, homework or work).

Parents of children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) face many challenges. They have to find their way to a diagnosis, examination, therapy and educational support. This can put a lot of mental and financial pressure on the family. In Belgium, awareness of DCD and its impact on children and their families is currently very limited.

With the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Paediatric Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy at Ghent University, we want to raise awareness about DCD. We also want to conduct scientific research to improve the quality of life of people with DCD. To this end, we are working together with VZW Dyspraxis, adults with DCD and other research groups in Belgium and abroad.

More information: https://dcdbelgium.com/