Clumsiness: When Is It More Than Just Being Awkward?
When your child is growing and developing, he or she can exhibit a variety of characteristics that are perfectly normal in many cases. Clumsiness is one of those characteristics. Many children, especially young ones, are often clumsy as they get accustomed to their changing bodies. However, there comes a point when the clumsiness and awkwardness that are often considered cute could be a sign of a more serious problem.
Children should outgrow clumsiness as they age, and it should not affect their ability to socialize or perform well in school. If their awkwardness begins to have a negative effect on their lives, it may be a sign that your child is suffering from a behavior disorder.
Clumsiness is a symptom of a variety of emotional and behavior disorders including:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Emotional Behavior Disorder
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Disruptive Behavior Disorder
If you suspect your child's clumsiness may be the result of an emotional or behavioral disorder, it is important to seek the advice of your primary care provider or an experienced health care professional. He or she may be able to provide you with a better idea of what your child's challenges are and how best to go about treating their symptoms. |