Symptoms used to diagnose
The ruleMotor coordination well below age expectations, starting early in development, affecting daily life and not explained by another condition.
Symptoms
- Clumsiness, bumping into things
- Slow or imprecise movements
- Difficulty with handwriting
- Trouble with dressing, cutlery, sport
- Difficulty with planning and organising
- Fatigue from extra effort
How diagnosis works
- Motor skills well below expected for age and opportunity.
- Significantly affects daily life, school or work, starting in early development.
A diagnosis is made by a qualified clinician after a full assessment — this summary is to help you understand it, not to self-diagnose.
Commonly used medications
Medication isn't usually a first-line treatment for this condition.
Therapies & support
- Occupational therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Practical adjustments
Sources
- 01Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR)
American Psychiatric Association, 2022
- 02ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics — Chapter 6: Mental, behavioural or neurodevelopmental disorders
World Health Organization, 2022
- 03The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines
Horowitz & Taylor, Wiley-Blackwell, 2024