Abstract
Summary: Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and its long term consequences are still often marginalised by professionals. The symptoms include poor coordination, balance issues, issues with gross and fine motor functions with often co-occurring impairment of speech, perception and cognitive functions.
In the last two decades, the prevalence has been steadily estimated around 5-6%, although it is known that in approximately half of the cases, motor difficulties persist into adulthood. Prematurity and low birth weight causes a severalfold increase in the occurrence risk of DCD.
Short tests assessing the quality of motor coordination can serve as a screening tool, whereas standardised test batteries are used for diagnosing with the possibility of re-testing during the therapeutic process. Structural and functional abnormalities of the central nervous system underlining the clinical symptoms have been described.
The most effective therapeutic approaches target specific activities which are known to be deficient. Specific methods that use motor learning findings which lead to more efficient therapeutic process have been discussed, including motor imagery training and external focus of attention.