BUTTERFINGERS AND BUSY BRAINS
Oops, I Dropped It Again: How Chiropractors Can Help Kids with Both Butterfingers and Busy Brains
As Toby makes his way from the reception room to my exam room, I can see the trouble brewing. The seven-year-old carries a cup of water in his hand… The way he holds it, I know, I KNOW, that something is going to happen. Sure enough, as he sits in the chair so we can have a chat about his difficulties at school, the cup slides out of his hands onto the floor. Oh well, it’s only the second time today.
The link between movement and cognition is fascinating not just for us as chiropractors; studies looking specifically at Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) indicate that they frequently co-occur, with research suggesting that up to 50% of children with ADHD also may experience symptoms of DCD. This overlap provides a unique challenge and opportunity for chiropractors to develop strategies that can address both motor and attentional concerns in our young practice members, ultimately looking to improve their overall quality of life.
Defining DCD and ADHD: Key Points
DCD is characterized by motor coordination difficulties that impair a child’s ability to perform everyday tasks like tying shoes, writing and even walking or running. Often mistaken for clumsiness, DCD affects around 5-20% of school-aged children, and its symptoms can have a profound impact on academic, emotional and social development. ADHD is more well known; a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, affecting approximately 8-10% of children.
The Overlap: Why Are DCD and ADHD Linked?
Both DCD and ADHD fall under the umbrella of neurodevelopmental disorders, with some shared underlying neurological features. Studies suggest that abnormalities in brain regions responsible for motor control, attention and executive function may contribute to the overlapping symptoms. For example, dysfunction in the cerebellum and prefrontal cortex, two areas implicated in motor planning and impulse control, has been observed in children with both DCD and ADHD. This shared neurological pathway might explain why children with ADHD often exhibit difficulties with motor tasks and why those with DCD might struggle with attentional control.
Researchers also believe that genetic and environmental factors play a role in the co-occurrence of these disorders. Shared genetic markers are being investigated, along with the impact of prenatal and perinatal influences on brain development, which could contribute to the early onset of both DCD and ADHD.
What does that mean for us as chiropractors?
Recognizing the link between moving and learning can help chiropractors to adopt a more holistic approach to care. Since motor coordination and movement difficulties are common in children with ADHD, we have a unique opportunity to support these kids with adjustments and brain exercises designed to improve their motor skills. Studies highlight that motor-based interventions, including movement therapies and proprioceptive exercises, can positively influence both motor function and attention regulation in children with DCD and ADHD.
The Switched-on Kids program provides you with in-depth information and chiropractic tools to check how children function in their environment, including how to assess motor skills, coordination, balance and retained primitive reflexes. You will also learn to master the most appropriate chiropractic adjusting techniques and brain-stimulating movement programs, as well as nutritional considerations. Learn more about helping kids be their best AND earn 12.5 CPD points .
In Conclusion
As chiropractors, understanding the interplay between DCD and ADHD empowers us to better serve our young practice members by tailoring our care to their unique needs. By addressing motor skills alongside attentional difficulties, we can help create a supportive foundation for these children to thrive academically, socially and physically. Let’s continue to stay informed on emerging research and work together to create positive, lasting impacts in the lives of children.
Dorte
REFERENCES:
Lee T. et al. (2024) The association between symptoms of developmental coordination disorder and neuropsychological characteristics in children with and without ADHD. Front. Psychiatry 15:1441102.
Ke L, et al. (2023) New trends in developmental coordination disorder: Multivariate, multidimensional and multimodal. Front. Psychiatry 14:1116369.
Ludyga S, et al (2021) How children with neurodevelopmental disorders can benefit from the neurocognitive effects of exercise Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews Volume 127, August 2021, Pages 514-519
McLeod K et al. (2014) Functional connectivity of neural motor networks is disrupted in children with developmental coordination disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. NeuroImage: Clinical Volume 4, 2014, Pages 566-575
