Help for Developmental Coordination Disorder

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a type of disorder that occurs during childhood but can eventually lead to development coordination problems. This can cause clumsiness and other similar disorders that can carry on throughout life. Although a small number, relatively 6%, of all children have some form of disorder leading to developmental coordination problems. These children may have one or more of the following: Holding an object with a steady grip. Tripping over themselves although there is nothing impeding their way. Having difficulty stopping while running. Walking in an unsteady way. Sometimes these disorders occur in combination with communication or writing difficulties. There are 3 distinct types of dysfunctions. Gross motor, fine motor and psychosocial. In gross motor dysfunction the child may have a strange way of running, may fall frequently, may handle things in a clumsy way and may find it difficult to follow orderly instructions. These children often are poor at sports and other events and as a result may lose muscle force and tone. Fine motor coordination can manifest themselves by inadequate writing, drawing, dressing and gripping difficulties. Psychosocial coordination difficulties may include reading, communication and learning problems which can result in the child and adult not being accepted by their peers and having only a small number of friends. These individuals may also suffer from low self esteem, confidence and have anxiety. In the past parents were told that their affected children will outgrow the disorder however recent research shows that this may not be the case. Children with these disorders are also somewhat overweight. Medical attention is recommended. One of the remedies is physical education and therapy. Using a computer, rather than writing down notes can help children who have trouble with writing. Encouraging physical activity is a very important way to help prevent obesity. Early treatment most likely leads to future success. In the realm of physical activity one of the best and most fun ways to overcome these difficulties may be the TUTOR system. Children from the age of 4 and up can make themselves available to play games that were exclusively designed for the HANDTUTOR, ARMTUTOR, LEGTUTOR and 3DTUTOR. Wearing comfortable ergonomic gloves and braces the patient/child can get involved in direct intensive exercise programs. These programs will teach the user how to coordinate a ball or car on the right track and teach him how to stay focused. A physical/occupational therapist will record anprogress and devise a specific program for that person. In this way there wil be an incentive to improve more and more. These physical therapy products can also be used at home when it’s difficult to get to a rehabilitation facility. This is done through the use of telerehabilitation. The TUTOR physical therapy products are FDA and CE certified. See WWW.MEDITOUCH.CO.IL for more information.