There are many different terms used to describe co-ordination difficulties: developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD), dyspraxia, perceptual-motor dysfunction and clumsy child syndrome.  Children with coordination problems often also have difficulty processing information from their sensory systems (eg vision, hearing, speech and balance). This is known as Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID).

Physiotherapy can help children improve their gross motor skills, by helping them to strengthen weak muscles, learn patterns of movement and integrate their sensory system.  

Your KidsPhysio physiotherapist will ask to questions and examine your child to establish the nature of their difficulties, which may include:

• delay in reaching their milestones such as sitting, crawling, standing and walking
• poor balance and a difficulty standing on one leg, hopping or jumping
• difficulty with ball activities such as throwing, catching, kicking
• a dislike or difficulty with PE lessons
• an inability or difficulty riding a bicycle
• often bumping into people or falling or tripping
• an inability to sit still
• difficulty using a knife and fork or a messy eater
• difficulty organising dressing and undressing, often putting clothes on back-to-front
• immature writing and drawing ability, delay in developing hand dominance
• difficulty with copying text from a book or blackboard
• difficulty carrying out instructions
• difficulty with organising themselves
• poor concentration and easily distracted
• they may be a loner and have difficulty with social skills
• they may be disruptive in class
• they may appear to not try or make an effort with tasks

The physiotherapist will also assess your child’s ability to take in, sort out and process the information from the environment.  We will look at whether your child is/has: 

• over or under sensitive to touch, movement, sights, or sounds
• under-reactive to sensory stimulation (body whirling or crashing)
• an activity level that is unusually high or unusually low
• poor organisation of behaviour (impulsive, distractible, frustrated, aggressive)
• poor self-concept (may appear lazy, bored, or unmotivated)

 
If you think that your child has sensory integration difficulties, you can download a sensory integration questionnaire from here. 

Although dyspraxia is not curable, a child’s gross motor skills and confidence often improves dramatically with appropriate physiotherapy treatment.

Your KidsPhysio physiotherapist will assess your child’s abilities and difficulties before planning a treatment programme. This may include exercises and games to strengthen weak muscles and improve motor skills.  We will also recommend beneficial activities and clubs for your child to join.