Pediatric Occupational Therapy for Developmental Coordination Disorder and Delays in Chicago, IL
If your child has developmental coordination disorder (DCD) or delays, everyday movement can feel like a constant uphill effort. Even when they know exactly what they want to do, there’s often a disconnect between what they intend and how their body carries it out, turning simple tasks into challenges.
At SensAble Kids, our occupational therapists help children with DCD and delays build the coordination and strength they need to move through daily life at home, at school, and at play with confidence.
What Is Developmental Coordination Disorder?
Developmental coordination disorder (DCD), sometimes called dyspraxia, is a condition that makes it harder for your child to plan and carry out physical movements. Your child may know exactly what they want to do, but their body doesn’t always respond the way they expect. As a result, everyday activities like getting dressed, using scissors, or catching a ball can take more time, effort, and practice. Children with DCD often experience delays that affect coordination, balance, and everyday movement skills.
Signs Your Child May Have Developmental Coordination Disorder
Signs of DCD include:
- Struggling to hold or control a pencil, crayon, or scissors
- Reaching motor milestones, such as crawling or walking, later than expected
- Avoiding sports or other physical activities
- Tripping, bumping into things, or often losing balance
- Needing extra time to learn new physical skills like riding a bike
- Becoming easily frustrated or tired during physical tasks
- Struggling with self-care tasks like dressing or tying shoes
How Occupational Therapy Helps Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder
At SensAble Kids, our occupational therapists use individualized, play-based therapy to build skills in a way that feels achievable and fun. Therapy may include:
- Activities like puzzles, lacing, and drawing to strengthen hand control and dexterity
- Exercises such as obstacle courses and balance activities to build strength, coordination, and body awareness
- Self-care practice to build the coordination needed for dressing, grooming, and other daily routines
- Strategies to improve body awareness and help your child process input from their environment more effectively
We also offer practical strategies you can use at home to reinforce progress between sessions.
Why Choose SensAble Kids
For more than a decade, SensAble Kids has provided compassionate, evidence-based pediatric occupational therapy to children across the Chicago area. Our occupational therapists use a relationship-centered, child-led approach that encourages children with DCD and delays to build new skills through play, exploration, and meaningful everyday activities.
By partnering closely with families and celebrating each child’s unique strengths, we help children feel more confident, capable, and ready to participate in the activities they enjoy every day.
Reach Out to SensAble Kids Today
If you’d like to learn more about how occupational therapy can support your child with DCD or delays, call us at (773) 697-7333 or fill out our online contact form to schedule an evaluation. We look forward to helping your child move through their world with greater confidence and ease.