When children are late in achieving developmental milestones, like sitting standing, walking or talking, it may be due to a developmental problem. Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is one such condition. In DCD there is a lack of coordination between mental intentions and the ability to get the body to carry out those intentions. The child may want to tie his shoe, for example, but the brain does not properly send the instructions for shoe tying to the hands and feet. The brain knows how to tie shoes, but the hands just can’t follow the brain’s instructions. The same thing happens with other taks, like running, jumping, writing, buttoning a shirt, or other tasks that most people take for granted. Children with DCD generally have normal intelligence. However, DCD is sometimes called “clumsy child syndrome,” and it may cause others to think that sufferers are inept or unintelligent because they cannot perform basic tasks. The condition can be frustrating and embarrassing, leading to problems with self-esteem and social isolation. Although considered a childhood disorder, the effects of DCD continue into adulthood.
A study appearing in Pediatrics (2005; 115(5): 1360-6) looked at 117 children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) between the ages of five and 12. The children were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or a supplement containing a combination of evening primrose oil and fish oil (both omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids). At the end of three months, the children receiving the essential fatty acids had significant improvements in reading, spelling and behavior. During a second three month interval, the children who were originally in the placebo group received the essential fatty acid supplement, and enjoyed improvements similar to the original treatment group.
