DCD strikes about one in 20 children, predominantly boys, and
frequently occurs alongside ADHD, autism spectrum disorders and
other better known conditions. Like ADHD, DCD has broad
academic, social and emotional impact. It can severely affect
reading, spelling and handwriting abilities; and insofar as
children with DCD both struggle with and avoid physical
activity, it can also lead to problems with self-esteem, obesity
and injury. Severity of the disorder varies, and as the
researchers explain, it is sometimes called the "hidden
disorder" because of the way those with milder cases develop
coping strategies that conceal the disorder, such as using
computers to avoid handwriting tasks, and wearing shirts without
buttons, or shoes without laces. But children with DCD have been
generally thought unable to learn or improve their motor skills.
"The results of this study were remarkable," said lead author
Geoffrey Bingham, professor in the Department of Psychological
and Brain Sciences in the College of Arts and S