Developmental Coordination Disorder and dysgraphia

In Italy, Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) continues to be under-diagnosed and school age children who come on first consultation are often reported for handwriting difficulties or suspected dysgraphia and, rarely, for general motor coordination problems. Since handwriting difficulties are described in more than 50% of chil-dren with DCD, it is the clinician's responsibility to understand whether such difficulties are the symptoms of DCD, or they represent an isolated condition. We discuss the need to investigate global motor skills when, at school-age, an handwriting problem emerges. Recognizing DCD in children with handwriting difficulties or dysgraphia allows for more specific rehabilitation programs.