Is Developmental Coordination Disorder Mistaken for ADHD?

PostedSeptember 10, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 10, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Developmental coordination vs ADHD is a common comparison when diagnosing children with learning and behavioural challenges. While both conditions can lead to difficulties in completing tasks and maintaining focus, there are key differences that help distinguish them. Developmental coordination disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia, primarily affects physical coordination, while ADHD is characterised by issues with attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity.

Children with DCD often struggle with motor coordination deficits, which can manifest as clumsiness, difficulty with tasks requiring fine or gross motor skills, or problems with activities such as handwriting. On the other hand, children with ADHD may have challenges in staying focused on tasks and regulating their behaviour, but these difficulties are not linked to motor coordination.

Common Symptoms: Developmental Coordination vs ADHD

Motor Coordination Deficits

One of the main features of developmental coordination disorder is difficulty with motor coordination deficits, such as struggling to tie shoelaces or ride a bike. This is not typically seen in ADHD, where the issue is more related to inattention or hyperactivity.

Task Execution Issues

Both conditions can cause problems with task execution. However, in DCD, the difficulty often arises from physical limitations in completing the task, while in ADHD, it stems from an inability to focus and maintain attention long enough to finish the task.

Handwriting Concerns

Children with DCD frequently have handwriting concerns, as fine motor control can be a challenge. While children with ADHD may also struggle with handwriting, it is usually due to distractions or inability to focus on the task.

By understanding the differences between Developmental coordination vs ADHD, clinicians can more accurately diagnose and provide the appropriate treatment for each condition.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Rule-outs for other conditions.

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.