Motor systems in developmental coordination disorder/dyspraxia

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a very common disorder, defined as an impairment in motor coordination that interferes with academic achievement and daily life. It impairs gross and fine motor functions, as well as balance. The dominant explanation of DCD is the internal model deficit: It suggests that children with DCD have difficulty modeling internally the spatiotemporal parameters for prospective actions. Cognitive and motor deficits in DCD are underlined by abnormalities in brain function. Neuroimaging studies show both structural and functional brain differences in DCD. More research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and to be able to propose more effective treatments. Future studies may try to include multiple levels of analysis (behavioral, cognitive, neural, genetic.) to provide more integrated models of what is DCD. In the meantime, efforts must be made to raise awareness of DCD so that children can be supported at school, at home and in their leisure time appropriately.