Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are uniquely positioned to assist in the early identification of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) in children. According to the research article "Recognizing and Referring Children at Risk for Developmental Coordination Disorder: Role of the Speech-Language Pathologist" by Cheryl Missiuna, B. Robin Gaines, and Nancy Pollock, SLPs can play a pivotal role in recognizing and referring children who exhibit motor coordination difficulties.
Early identification of DCD is crucial as it can significantly impact a child's social, academic, and emotional development. Research indicates that many children with speech-language delays also have concomitant motor coordination difficulties, which, if left untreated, may affect their later progress. This article outlines several key strategies and observations that SLPs can use to identify children at risk for DCD.
Key Observations for SLPs
SLPs should be vigilant in observing the following behaviors during their sessions:
- Awkward posture or difficulty in organizing oneself to get seated properly at a table.
- Slouched posture, leaning on walls or furniture, and frequently shifting positions.
- Difficulty with two-handed tasks such as cutting accurately or catching a ball.
- Not using a "helper hand" to stabilize objects or frequently changing hands when coloring or printing.
- Excessive tightness of grasp or pressure on pencils and markers.
- Rushing through tasks or avoiding tasks that demand fine motor skills.
- Difficulty joining play groups or a preference for sedentary activities like reading or talking.
Practical Tips for SLPs
SLPs can enhance their practice by implementing the following strategies:
- Observe the child from the moment they arrive, noting their ability to manage self-care tasks such as undoing zippers, hanging up coats, and putting on shoes.
- Focus on the quality of the child's fine motor skills during therapeutic interventions.
- Pay attention to the type of physical assistance and support the SLP is providing to the child, as this can indicate the need for further evaluation.
- Refer children who exhibit significant motor coordination difficulties to occupational therapists or physical therapists for comprehensive assessment and early intervention.
Encouraging Further Research
SLPs are encouraged to delve deeper into the topic of DCD and its impact on children with speech-language delays. Further research and professional development can enhance their ability to identify and support children at risk for DCD, ultimately leading to better outcomes for these children.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Recognizing and Referring Children at Risk for Developmental Coordination Disorder: Role of the Speech-Language Pathologist.
