Developmental coordination disorder: what MedlinePlus says about motor problems and treatment
MedlinePlus says children with developmental coordination disorder “have problems with motor coordination compared to other children the same age,” and that physical education and perceptual motor training “are the best ways to treat coordination disorder.” This page quotes MedlinePlus only.
Quoted from official pages checked November 12, 2026. Confirm current information on those sites. This page is not medical advice and does not describe any patient’s care.
Source read on November 12, 2026: the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia’s Developmental coordination disorder article (review date 10/20/2024).
Symptoms
Among the symptoms MedlinePlus lists:
- “Problems with gross motor coordination (for example, jumping, hopping, or standing on one foot)”
- “Problems with visual or fine motor coordination (for example, writing, using scissors, tying shoelaces, or tapping one finger to another)”
Treatment
MedlinePlus states: “Physical education and perceptual motor training (combining movement with tasks that require thinking, like math or reading) are the best ways to treat coordination disorder. Using a computer to take notes may help children who have trouble writing.” It adds: “Encouraging physical activity is important to prevent obesity.” And: “Early treatment will lead to future success.”
The MedlinePlus article read does not name occupational therapy or physical therapy. School supports are described on IEPs and IFSPs and Section 504 plans.
What this page does not do
It does not describe any assessment or therapy approach. It is not medical advice and does not recommend any treatment, medicine, device, or product. Scope of practice is set by state law; check your state board.