Developmental Coordination Disorder vs Tourette Syndrome
DCD vs Tourette Syndrome in Young Children
DCD and Tourette Syndrome can both produce unusual movements, but they differ at the root. DCD is a difficulty coordinating voluntary movement — a child knows what to do but does it clumsily, affecting dressing, writing, catching and running. Tourette Syndrome is about tics: sudden, involuntary, repeated movements or sounds the child cannot easily stop, often coming in bursts. The simplest distinction is that DCD shows up when a child tries to do a task, while tics appear on their own. A child may have both, so a careful clinical assessment matters — DCD is supported through occupational therapy, while tic concerns are best reviewed medically first.
One is about how the body moves; the other is about movements and sounds the body does on its own — and telling them apart brings real relief.
In short
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and Tourette Syndrome can both look like 'extra' or 'awkward' movements in a young child, but they are quite different. DCD is a difficulty with planning and coordinating movement — a child knows what they want to do but their body struggles to do it smoothly, so buttons, scissors, running and catching feel clumsy. Tourette Syndrome is about tics — sudden, repeated, involuntary movements or sounds (a blink, a head jerk, a throat-clear, a small noise) that the child cannot easily control. In short: DCD is can't do the movement well; Tourette is can't stop a movement happening.How they differ in everyday life
In DCD, the struggle is with purposeful skills. You might notice a child who trips often, drops things, finds dressing or holding a pencil hard, takes longer to learn to ride a bike, or seems to 'try hard' yet stays clumsy. The movements they want to make come out untidy — there's nothing sudden or involuntary about it.In Tourette Syndrome, the movements are involuntary and patterned. Tics tend to come in bursts, can change over time, often increase with excitement or tiredness, and may briefly be held back before returning. They include motor tics (blinking, shrugging, jerking) and vocal tics (sniffing, throat-clearing, repeated sounds). A child's actual coordination for everyday tasks is usually fine.
A simple way to hold it: DCD shows up when a child is trying to do something; tics show up on their own, often when the child isn't focusing on a task at all. A child can, of course, have both — which is exactly why a careful clinical look matters.
When to seek a look
If you notice persistent clumsiness affecting daily skills and learning, a developmental check is worthwhile. If you notice repeated, involuntary movements or sounds lasting several weeks — especially vocal tics — speak with your paediatrician, as tic conditions are best reviewed medically first. Either way, you don't have to work out the label yourself.The Pinnacle way
This is general guidance, not a diagnosis — a clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care, never from an app or form. Our team observes how your child moves, plans and copes, and supports coordination through occupational therapy, while guiding families on next steps for tic-related concerns. Learn more about Developmental Coordination Disorder and explore our wider [services](/).Trusted sources
The American Academy of Pediatrics and HealthyChildren on motor development and tic disorders in children; the WHO ICD-11 framework on developmental motor coordination disorder and tic disorders.Next step — Unsure what you're seeing? Book a developmental screening and let a clinician tell the two apart and guide your next move.
What to watch
With DCD, watch for a child who trips often, drops things, struggles with buttons, scissors or pencil grip, and stays clumsy despite trying. With possible tics, watch for sudden, repeated, involuntary movements or sounds — blinking, head jerks, sniffing, throat-clearing — that appear on their own and come in bursts.
Try this at home
Notice when the movement happens. If it appears while your child is trying to do a task (buttoning, catching, writing), it leans toward coordination. If it pops up on its own, even at rest, and comes in repeated bursts, note it down and share it with your clinician.
Trusted sources
Developed by SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network · Last reviewed 2026-06-10 · reviewed every 365 days
This is general information, not a diagnosis. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care.
Frequently asked
Can a child have both DCD and Tourette Syndrome?
Yes. The two are separate and can co-occur, which is one reason a careful clinical assessment matters rather than trying to work out the label at home. A clinician can distinguish coordination difficulties from tics and recommend the right support for each.
How do I tell a tic apart from clumsiness?
A simple guide: clumsiness shows up when your child is trying to do something — dressing, catching, writing — and the movement comes out untidy. A tic appears on its own, often at rest, is repeated and sudden, and may come in bursts that increase with excitement or tiredness.
Which one should I see a doctor about first?
If you notice repeated, involuntary movements or sounds lasting several weeks, especially vocal tics, speak with your paediatrician, as tic conditions are reviewed medically first. Persistent clumsiness affecting daily skills is best looked at through a developmental check.