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Neurodevelopmental

Coordination developmental disorder

Motor clumsiness and difficulty learning skills that require coordination (tying laces, writing, sports), which interferes with daily and school life.

Common signs

Clumsiness, frequent falls or bumpsHard-to-read handwriting and slow writingAvoids sport and movement games

Tips

For you

  1. Assessment by a physiotherapist or occupational therapist
  2. Practise specific skills in short steps
  3. Praise effort, not just the result

For family and friends

  1. Practise the skills together in short steps and through play
  2. Choose individual sports where there's no comparison

When to ask for help

  1. If it limits their independence or schoolwork
  2. If they are teased because of it

Test for families

For parents or relatives: answer thinking about the child or person you are worried about, over the last few weeks. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. Is clumsier than other children their age
2. Falls or bumps into things often
3. Finds it hard to tie shoelaces or do up buttons
4. Their handwriting is hard to read
5. Writes very slowly
6. Finds it hard to ride a bike or play ball
7. Avoids sport
8. Feels bad about being clumsy

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveFree guide: Childhood and youthFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

Intellectual disabilityNeurodevelopmentalGlobal developmental delayNeurodevelopmentalLanguage disorderNeurodevelopmentalSpeech sound disorderNeurodevelopmental

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Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.