Developmental coordination disorders and learning behavior - Do children with developmental coordination disorders show different learning behaviors?

Developmental coordination disorders (DCD) are among the most common disorders in childhood. They are characterized by deficits in fine and gross motor skills without any sensory, neurological, or cognitive causation. Criterion B of the classification systems DSM-IV-TR and ICD-10 underscores the negative impact of DCD on school performance. The development of adequate social and learning behaviors is an important developmental task of preschool children and clears the way for a successful school career. Current studies state that children with DCD often show comorbid cognitive deficits as well as impairments of their social and learning behaviors. Therefore, a higher risk exists that these children will not accomplish their developmental tasks successfully. The early diagnosis and treatment of DCD is very important in order to counter learning difficulties.