Signs of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published NIH, AAP, CDC guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about signs of developmental coordination disorder (dcd), here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects about 5-6% of children. It involves motor coordination difficulties significantly below what is expected for age, affecting daily activities. DCD is typically diagnosed after age 5, but early signs can be apparent in toddlerhood. Early occupational and physical therapy significantly improves outcomes.
Key takeaways
- Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects about 5-6% of children. It involves motor coordination difficulties significantly below what is expected for age, affecting daily activities. DCD is typically diagnosed after age 5, but early signs can be apparent in toddlerhood. Early occupational and physical therapy significantly improves outcomes.
- Usually normal when: Your child is clumsy but improving.
- Call your doctor if: Your child is losing motor skills they previously had.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to NIH, AAP, CDC guidelines, developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects about 5-6% of children. It involves motor coordination difficulties significantly below what is expected for age, affecting daily activities. DCD is typically diagnosed after age 5, but early signs can be apparent in toddlerhood. Early occupational and physical therapy significantly improves outcomes. At 12-18 months, very early signs may include delayed motor milestones and difficulty learning new motor skills. However, DCD cannot be formally diagnosed at this age. If your child is significantly behind in motor development, early intervention can help regardless of diagnosis. It is generally considered normal when your child is clumsy but improving. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child is losing motor skills they previously had.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
12-18 months
Very early signs may include delayed motor milestones and difficulty learning new motor skills. However, DCD cannot be formally diagnosed at this age. If your child is significantly behind in motor development, early intervention can help regardless of diagnosis.
18-24 months
Early indicators may include persistent clumsiness, difficulty with self-feeding, trouble navigating playground equipment, and frustration with motor tasks. These signs alone are not diagnostic but warrant monitoring and support.
2-3 years
Signs become more apparent: difficulty with dressing, utensils, riding toys, ball skills, and drawing. Your child may avoid physical activities or become frustrated easily with motor tasks. An occupational therapy evaluation can identify specific difficulties and provide targeted support.
3-5 years
DCD can be more reliably identified at this age. Signs include persistent, significant motor difficulties that affect academic, play, and self-care activities. A formal assessment by an occupational therapist or developmental pediatrician is recommended.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed signs of developmental coordination disorder (dcd) and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if motor difficulties significantly affect daily activities.
- Mention if your child is much clumsier than same-age peers.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your child is clumsy but improving.
- Motor difficulties are mild and do not significantly affect daily life.
- Your child is under 3 and motor skills are still developing rapidly.
- Your child is coordinated in some areas but not others.
- Motor difficulties significantly affect daily activities.
- Your child is much clumsier than same-age peers.
- Motor challenges cause frustration, avoidance, or low self-esteem.
- Motor difficulties are not improving with age and practice.
- Your child is losing motor skills they previously had.
- Motor difficulties are worsening over time.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice signs of developmental coordination disorder (dcd) — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your child is clumsy but improving — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 12-18 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Provide plenty of supervised floor time and tummy time to support your baby's physical development.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your child is losing motor skills they previously had.
Related Conditions
Signs of Dyspraxia in Toddlers
Dyspraxia (developmental coordination disorder) involves difficulty with motor planning - the ability to think of, organize, and carry out movements. Toddlers with dyspraxia often appear clumsy, have difficulty with new motor tasks, and struggle with everyday activities like eating, dressing, and playing. It affects about 5-6% of children and responds well to therapy.
My Toddler Seems Very Clumsy
Clumsiness is extremely common and normal in toddlers. Their brains are still developing the neural pathways for coordination, spatial awareness, and balance. Most toddlers appear clumsy compared to older children. However, if clumsiness is persistent, severe, or worsening after age 3, it may be worth evaluating for developmental coordination disorder.
My Baby Has Overall Fine Motor Delays
Fine motor skills develop gradually from grasping rattles to using a pincer grip to scribbling and stacking. If your child seems behind in multiple fine motor areas, an occupational therapy evaluation can identify specific areas to work on. Many fine motor delays respond very well to targeted therapy and practice.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is signs of developmental coordination disorder (dcd) normal?
When should I call the doctor about signs of developmental coordination disorder (dcd)?
When is signs of developmental coordination disorder (dcd) normal?
What causes signs of developmental coordination disorder (dcd)?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about signs of developmental coordination disorder (dcd)?
Is signs of developmental coordination disorder (dcd) normal at 12-18 months?
Is signs of developmental coordination disorder (dcd) normal at 18-24 months?
Should I go to the ER for signs of developmental coordination disorder (dcd)?
Does signs of developmental coordination disorder (dcd) go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Signs of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD).
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed signs of developmental coordination disorder (dcd) and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if motor difficulties significantly affect daily activities.
- Mention if your child is much clumsier than same-age peers.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Motor difficulties significantly affect daily activities.
- Your child is much clumsier than same-age peers.
- Motor challenges cause frustration, avoidance, or low self-esteem.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your child is losing motor skills they previously had.
- Motor difficulties are worsening over time.
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
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Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of signs of developmental coordination disorder (dcd) are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child is losing motor skills they previously had.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Physical Concerns
Signs of Dyspraxia in Toddlers
Dyspraxia (developmental coordination disorder) involves difficulty with motor planning - the ability to think of, organize, and carry out movements. Toddlers with dyspraxia often appear clumsy, have difficulty with new motor tasks, and struggle with everyday activities like eating, dressing, and playing. It affects about 5-6% of children and responds well to therapy.
My Toddler Seems Very Clumsy
Clumsiness is extremely common and normal in toddlers. Their brains are still developing the neural pathways for coordination, spatial awareness, and balance. Most toddlers appear clumsy compared to older children. However, if clumsiness is persistent, severe, or worsening after age 3, it may be worth evaluating for developmental coordination disorder.
My Baby Has Overall Fine Motor Delays
Fine motor skills develop gradually from grasping rattles to using a pincer grip to scribbling and stacking. If your child seems behind in multiple fine motor areas, an occupational therapy evaluation can identify specific areas to work on. Many fine motor delays respond very well to targeted therapy and practice.
Should I Use Adjusted Age for My Preemie's Milestones?
Yes — for premature babies, developmental milestones should be assessed using adjusted (corrected) age, not chronological age, until at least 2 years of age. Adjusted age is calculated by subtracting the number of weeks your baby was born early from their actual age. For example, a 6-month-old born 2 months early would have an adjusted age of 4 months, and should be assessed against 4-month milestones. Most pediatricians use adjusted age for developmental assessment through age 2-3, and for growth charts through age 2.
Baby-Proofing a Small Apartment
Baby-proofing a small apartment is absolutely possible and focuses on the same key safety principles as any home: securing furniture to walls, covering outlets, locking cabinets with hazardous materials, and ensuring safe sleep spaces. Small spaces actually have an advantage - there is less area to monitor. Focus on eliminating the most dangerous hazards first: falls, poisoning, choking, and burns.
My Baby Seems to Use One Side More Than the Other
Babies should use both sides of their body fairly equally during the first 18 months of life. While slight preferences can be normal, a consistent pattern of favoring one side - using one arm much more than the other, crawling with one leg dragging, or turning the head predominantly one way - should always be discussed with your pediatrician. Early identification of asymmetry leads to the best outcomes.