The onset of symptoms for DCD is typically in the _____ developmental period

• A. Early
• B. Middle
• C. Late
• D. Adolescent

Answer: (A)

DCD typically begins in the early developmental period. Motor coordination difficulties are often noticeable in preschool years or early elementary school, such as delays in achieving motor milestones or trouble with age-expected tasks (like handwriting, coloring, riding a bike, tying shoelaces, or catching a ball). This early onset is a defining feature because the challenges are present well before adolescence and are not explained by other conditions such as intellectual disability or certain neurological disorders. While some children may show compensations later, the hallmark is that the motor problems emerge early as the child is developing.