Abstract

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) impacts a child's motor coordination and perceptual skills. Signs of the disorder are often noticed early in a child's school career when teachers observe the child struggling with tasks such as handwriting, scissor use and shoe tying. Children with DCD are most commonly referred to Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy to improve the physical symptoms, leaving the psychological and emotional effects unattended. If the psychological needs of these children are not met, the consequences can be lifelong, causing turmoil throughout teen years and into adulthood. The aim of this study is to consider how Art Therapy can be used to fill the gap in treatment and look at the psychological effects of the disorder. This study uses theoretical framework, based on previous literature. The data is compiled and systematically analyzed based on emergent themes. Due to the nature of the psychological symptoms and comorbidities of DCD, this qualitative inquiry has outlined how Art Therapy appears to be a particularly beneficial option for addressing the needs of this population. The research that supports the use of art making with the use of different material for motor skills is promising. Currently, little research exists examining the efficacy of Creative Arts Therapies and their treatment of DCD and no literature was found for Art Therapy specifically. However, the findings of this research point to a need for further study of this particular topic.