The ABC’s of DCD (Developmental Coordination Disorder)

In this session, Dr. Zwicker will discuss the ABC’s of DCD, a common but under-recognized neurodevelopmental disorder. The objectives of this session are for participants to: (1) become more Aware of DCD, how it Affects children and families, and how to Assess and diagnose this condition: (2) understand how the Brain may be impacted in children with DCD; and (3) become aware of a novel, research-integrated Clinic model to diagnose children with DCD.

Presenter

Dr. Jill Zwicker is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of British Columbia. She also holds appointments as
Associate Member in the Department of Pediatrics (Division of Developmental Pediatrics), Investigator at the BC Children’s Research Institute, Clinician Scientist at Sunny Hill Health
Centre for Children, Associate Investigator with the Kids Brain Health Network, and Research Associate at CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research. She completed her
undergraduate training in psychology and clinical training in occupational therapy at Queen’s University, a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology (Learning & Development) at the University of Victoria, a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of British Columbia, and Post-Doctoral training in Pediatrics (Developmental Neuroscience) at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Zwicker has established the first research-integrated diagnostic clinic for DCD in Canada to facilitate diagnosis of this under-recognized disorder. She uses advanced neuroimaging techniques to better understand how the brain differs in children with and without developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and whether brain structure and function can change with rehabilitation intervention. Dr. Zwicker is also interested in the relationship of prematurity and DCD and is examining early brain development and motor outcomes of premature newborns. Dr. Zwicker is a Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Scholar and is funded by the Canadian Child Health Clinician Scientist Program and CIHR.

[MelodyBrooke]

I have just realized I have this. I've struggled with it my whole life without knowing it. I am 68 and went to a Rhythm workshop - impossible for me! No one else in there had the problems I did. I have Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and ADD. They did not come close to me making sense of how I am. My nickname used to be "Missy Messy"! I am constantly bumping into things and spilling things. I cannot begin to express how much relief I have in knowing this is why I have always been like this and could not change it; I mean, most people would not know because I avoid activities that require coordination, fast responses, and handwriting. I always felt SUCH shame over this. PFFT, NOW I can let that go. It doesn't mean I am excusing myself from working on it; it just means I am not FLAWED. I was just born with a brain different than other people; it explains why it's been so hard for me when it's not for others. Most people would not notice this; it's because of how much I have learned to adapt to it and go with my gifts. WOW, it gives me so much relief.

[grantmarshall]

I’m 44 and I’ve had a moment of clarity after reading my school report from age 9 and 10. So many symptoms my parents and myself have inadvertently overlooked. I’m reasonably intelligent so I can forgive an overlooked diagnosis. My school reports were littered with remarks like @unique” “highly intelligent “ “exhibits poor hand eye coordination “ and “lacks concentration “. I have a niece with dyspraxia, which I believe is related to dcd, I’ve related to most of the symptoms/difficulties on this video, until yesterday I’ve never heard of dcd. Living in Ireland during the 80s, during civil war/ daily violence, I can understand why the school didn’t take more action on my beh

[captainrob]

Would not being able to balance a bike until 11 be a valid diagnosable motor dysfunction?