Why Bother About Clumsiness? The Implications of HavingDevelopmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)

[摘要] Developmental coordination disorder (DCD)is a common motor problem affecting—even inrather severe form—several percent of schoolage children. In the past, DCD has usually beencalled ‘clumsy child syndrome’ or ‘non-cerebralpalsymotor-perception dysfunction’. Thisdisorder is more common in boys than in girlsand is very often associated with psychopathology,particularly with attention-deficit/hyperactivitydisorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders/autistic-type problems. Conversely, childrenwith ADHD and autism spectrum problems,particularly those given a diagnosis of Aspergersyndrome, have a very high rate of comorbidDCD. Psychiatrists appear to be unaware of thistype of comorbidity in their young patients.Neurologists, on the other hand, usually paylittle attention to the striking behavioral andemotional problems shown by so many of their‘clumsy’ patients. A need exists for a muchclearer focus on DCD—in child psychiatry andin child neurology—both in research and inclinical practice.

[学科分类] 精神健康和精神病学