Definition of the clumsy child
Numerous terms are used to describe this condition including :
Developmental Co-ordination Disorder , Delay , Dyspraxia
Minor Motor Handicap
Minimal Brain Damage , Cerebral Palsy , Neurological Disorder
Clumsy Child Syndrome

The typical “clumsy child” is describe as being mentally normal , without body deformity, with physical strength and sensation  within normal limits. Yet the child is unable to perform skilled , well co-ordinated movements. Furthermore clumsiness is found in  2 – 10 % of the population with boys more often affected than girls.

It is found that the clumsy chills has often skipped some of the stages of motor development in the early years of babyhood i.e. crawling. Central control or stability of the body in various positions does not develop normally , because of delayed development in some of the components of movement such as flexion , extension and rotation of the trunk. Posture , balance , co-ordination and perceptual development may be delayed a s a result. As correct postural control , balance and co-ordination are the foundations for all function ., the importance of helping the child to develop to his/her full potential on a gross motor level, cannot be over emphasized.  

Symptoms associated with clumsiness

Inconsistency of performance
Poor fine motor skills
Difficulty learning new skills
Poor balance
Poor motor planning e.g. order of dressing
Difficulty maintaining rhythm
Slow reaction time e.g. slow to catch a ball
Unintended , extraneous movements.
Body stiffness i.e.. lack of mobility
Poor physical fitness i.e. lack of endurance
Low muscle tone – floppy

Expected levels of functioning
By the age of seven years a child should be able to…
Hop on alternate feet
Skip with a rope
Do two somersaults without stopping
Stand steadily on one leg for 15 seconds
Throw and catch a tennis ball
Bounce and catch a tennis ball
Ride a bicycle
Be independent in dressing i.e. do own laces and buttons
Correct use of eating utensils i.e. eating with a knife and fork with ease
Use a mature three point pencil grip