Subtypes of Developmental Coordination Disorder: Research on Their Nature and Etiology

Abstract

Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) are a group embracing clumsiness and developmental dyspraxia. Our study provides a better understanding of the nature of DCD and its etiology, and identifies subtypes of dyspraxia. Forty-three children with DCD (5–15 years) were enrolled on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed. [DSM-IV-TR]; American Psychiatric Association, 2000) criteria. Extensive standardized evaluations were conducted. We distinguished from two patterns of “pure” developmental dyspraxia: ideomotor and visual-spatial/visual-constructional, and mix dyspraxia with more co-morbidities. Our study provides a better understanding of the nature of DCD, and sheds light on its etiology and brain dysfunction, so as to identify subtypes of developmental DCD/dyspraxia with specific clinical criteria.