Tackling coordination disorders
by Richard Watson
Children
in the northern suburbs suffering from a coordination disorder will
benefit from a special movement education program being run by UniSA.
UniSA human movement specialist Dr Annette Raynor says about six per cent of children suffer from Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD), which as well as stopping participation in physical activity, can lead to academic, social and behavioural problems.
Raynor says DCD is a serious problem with far-reaching consequences. “The essential feature of a child with DCD is significant impairment in the development of motor coordination when compared to age-matched peers. Their brain and muscles aren't communicating properly and normal childhood activities as well as academic achievement can be very difficult,“ she says.
“These children are often rejected by their peers ... they are ’last to be picked’ for a game of sport. This can develop a reluctance to join in sporting and physical activity, low self-esteem and social problems. DCD is both a physical and social problem for these children.“
DCD can be tackled, however, and UniSA will expand its already successful movement education program to the northern suburbs on August 17.
The 10-week program involves one-on-one teaching by UniSA students specialising in Primary School Physical Education and Human Movement.
“Children will be assessed and individual programs developed to meet their needs,“ Dr Raynor says.
“They will be taught how to move effectively through a range of tasks including ball skills and locomotor activities such as jumping, running and hopping. Underlying problems such as balance and sequencing of actions will also be addressed.“
The initial program will be held at Swallowcliffe Primary School, with the program also catering for Davoren Park and Elizabeth Grove Kindergartens and Elizabeth South Primary School.
Swallowcliffe Primary School principal Katherine Holman said that this was a significant new service for the local community.
“The way in which UniSA is working in consultation with the northern region shows a genuine understanding of and commitment to the community,“ she said. “Children with DCD have difficulty in many areas including bookwork and social skills. Schools have traditionally supported children facing academic challenges but it is also important to help students that have physical difficulties, especially when they impact on so many other areas.
“Primary school staff will be involved in the program to ensure sustainability and we are also examining ways of applying the techniques on a broader scale.“
While DCD causes many health issues it is treatable and the program has already been successfully trialled.
“The trial results were extremely positive. Improving children’s co-ordination and enabling them to view physical activity as fun rather than failure will have a positive influence on many areas of their lives.
’I can do it too’ has become the program’s catchphrase,“ Dr Raynor said.