How Diet & Lifestyle Support DCD: A Guide for Maltese Families
This article explores developmental coordination disorder (DCD), a neurodevelopmental condition affecting motor skills and mental health, and its implications for families in Malta. As common as ADHD yet often underdiagnosed, DCD impacts daily activities, emotional wellbeing, and social inclusion. Local initiatives, such as adaptive sports programs and inclusive school accommodations, can support affected children. The Mediterranean lifestyle, with its emphasis on healthy eating and movement, offers unique opportunities to aid development, including through cooking traditional Maltese dishes or promoting physical activities. Accessible therapy, sensory-friendly dining environments, and increased public awareness are essential to creating a supportive community where children with DCD can thrive.
Understanding DCD: The Underdiagnosed Condition and How Lifestyle Choices Can Help
In the pursuit of a healthier and happier life, prioritizing mental and physical wellbeing is essential. For families in Malta, where the Mediterranean lifestyle often celebrates community, healthy eating, and movement, it’s important to recognize how everyday habits can support those with conditions like developmental coordination disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia. This underdiagnosed neurodevelopmental condition affects around 5 percent of children in the UK, making it as common as ADHD, and it has significant implications for physical and mental health.
DCD impacts motor coordination, making simple tasks like tying shoelaces, handwriting, or even staying upright during physical activities a daily struggle. These challenges are not merely inconveniences; they often lead to fatigue, frustration, and social exclusion. A national survey conducted among 240 UK parents revealed a striking reality: children with DCD face difficulties that ripple through their lives, affecting their self-esteem, mental health, and overall wellbeing.
One key finding from the survey is that children with DCD are less likely to meet recommended physical activity levels, with only 36 percent staying sufficiently active. Physical activity, widely recognized as a cornerstone of health, is particularly vital for children in Malta, where outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, or playing football are ingrained in the culture. Encouraging engagement in accessible, low-pressure physical activities could help children with DCD build strength, confidence, and social connections. Local initiatives, such as inclusive sports programs or adaptive dance classes, could make a significant difference.
But the challenges don’t stop at physical struggles. The emotional toll of DCD is profound. Anxiety, low self-esteem, and feelings of isolation are common among affected children. Many express frustration at feeling excluded, particularly in school environments where motor difficulties often go misunderstood. One parent from the survey recounted their child asking, “Why do I even try when I’m never picked?” Others shared heartbreaking accounts of children internalizing negative perceptions, feeling “stupid” or “terrible.” These emotional hurdles can have long-term consequences on mental health, highlighting the importance of creating supportive and inclusive spaces both at school and at home.
In Malta, where food and family play such central roles in daily life, the kitchen can become a therapeutic environment for children with DCD. Cooking simple recipes together can help improve motor coordination while fostering a sense of achievement. For instance, parents could involve children in preparing traditional Maltese dishes like minestra (vegetable soup) or ftira (Maltese bread topped with fresh ingredients). Activities like kneading dough or chopping softer vegetables with adaptive tools can be beneficial for both physical and emotional development. Moreover, a Mediterranean diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids from fish, nuts, and olive oil may support brain health and overall wellbeing, which are particularly important for children facing developmental challenges.
Despite its prevalence, DCD remains underdiagnosed and poorly supported. Families in the survey reported an average wait of nearly three years for a diagnosis, with almost one in five children showing clear signs of DCD but not yet entering the diagnostic process. While a diagnosis often brings clarity, many parents expressed frustration that it doesn’t translate into meaningful support, particularly in schools. In Malta, where education is highly valued, there is an opportunity to advocate for mandatory teacher training and tailored classroom accommodations for children with DCD. Simple measures such as providing laptops for writing or allowing extra time during exams could empower children to showcase their true potential.
Therapy, particularly occupational therapy and physiotherapy, has been shown to be transformative for children with DCD, helping them develop strategies to manage their difficulties. However, accessibility remains a significant barrier. Many families face long waiting times or high out-of-pocket expenses for therapy. In Malta, expanding access to affordable therapeutic services could improve outcomes for children and reduce the emotional strain on families. Additionally, parents could explore recreational options like equine therapy, which has been gaining traction locally for its benefits in improving motor skills and emotional wellbeing.
The connection between movement challenges and mental health cannot be overlooked. The emotional concerns of parents are also significant, with many feeling restricted in their ability to participate in normal family activities. Dining out, for example, can become a stressful experience for families with children who struggle with coordination or sensory challenges. Maltese restaurants and cafés can play a role in fostering inclusivity by creating welcoming environments, offering sensory-friendly spaces, and providing adaptive cutlery or plates for children with motor difficulties. These small adjustments can go a long way in promoting a sense of belonging and enjoyment for families.
To improve the lives of children with DCD, coordinated action is needed across several areas: raising public awareness, streamlining the diagnostic process, enhancing education systems, addressing mental health needs, and ensuring timely interventions. Here in Malta, where community and wellbeing are deeply valued, these efforts can be complemented by embracing the Mediterranean lifestyle. By integrating healthy food choices, movement, and inclusivity into daily life, we can create environments where every child, including those with DCD, can thrive.
As one parent wisely remarked, “If she can’t write her answers down quickly enough in exams, she won’t be able to show her knowledge.” This sentiment underscores the importance of addressing DCD holistically—not just in terms of academic performance, but in nurturing the physical, emotional, and social wellbeing of a generation of children who deserve the chance to reach their full potential. By combining awareness, support, and the unique cultural strengths of Malta, we can ensure that children with DCD are not left behind.