Children with DCD often find it more challenging to do movements than other children like everyday tasks such as brushing their teeth, using knives and forks, handwriting and dressing themselves. Children with DCD can be less confident about themselves and playing with other children, particularly when the activities involve movement like sport. This can mean that kids with DCD exclude themselves from playing with other children, or stand to the side.
Movement problems differ from child to child. For example, some children may seem ‘clumsy’ when they walk, bumping into things and tripping over. Others may drop things and find it difficult to use their hands. Regardless, the need to be included and given a chance to succeed in physical activities are the most important factors to consider when working with children with DCD. While lots of children can seem a bit ‘clumsy’ at a young age, this is much more pronounced in kids with DCD.