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Hunt J, Zwicker J, Godecke E, Raynor A. Assessing children to identify developmental coordination disorder: A survey of occupational therapists in Australia. Aust Occup Ther J 2023. [PMID: 36823758 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1630.12864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developmental coordination disorder (DCD), a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder with motor and psychosocial consequences, can significantly impact children's quality of life. In Australia, most children with diagnosed/suspected DCD have received occupational therapy services, more so than any other health service. As such, occupational therapists are key in identification and treatment and require a sound knowledge of diagnostic criteria and the best evidence for practice. This study explored current occupational therapy services for children with DCD. Areas for development are identified to improve the identification of, and subsequent intervention for, children with DCD. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, an online survey was completed in September and October 2020 by 175 occupational therapists working in Australia. RESULTS Although all therapists worked with children who met the criteria for DCD diagnosis, 70% worked with children with no specific diagnosis and 50% worked with children with outdated diagnostic labels. Australian occupational therapists used similar models/frameworks (commonly a multisensory/sensory processing approach) to guide practice with children with DCD, regardless of therapist characteristics, practice setting (clinic/community, rural/urban), how therapy is funded, or the state where the therapists completed their training/currently practiced. Although assessment practices did not differ significantly, therapists with greater years of paediatric practice and those who studied and/or practiced in Western Australia were more likely to assess to identify DCD. Half of the therapists did not assess to identify DCD; however, 60% of assessing therapists reported best practice methods in assessment for DCD, indicating emerging best practices in the Australian context. CONCLUSION The findings from this study suggest that small adaptations to current occupational therapy practice may enhance the early identification of children with DCD in Australia. The existing gaps in evidence to practice must be addressed to improve current Australian practice and increase access to appropriate services and ultimately improve the quality of life for children with DCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqui Hunt
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
| | - Jill Zwicker
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Erin Godecke
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia.,Sir Charles Gairdner Osborne Park Health Care Group, North Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, Australia
| | - Annette Raynor
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia.,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Human Performance, Edith Cowan University, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
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2
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Ke L, Su X, Yang S, Du Z, Huang S, Wang Y. New trends in developmental coordination disorder: Multivariate, multidimensional and multimodal. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1116369. [PMID: 36778631 PMCID: PMC9911460 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1116369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a motor development disorder that affects an individual's growth and development, and may persist throughout life. It is not caused by intellectual or physical disability. Studies have suggested DCD often occurs in childhood, resulting in a series of abnormal manifestations that hinder children's normal development; cohort studies suggest a higher incidence in boys than in girls. Early diagnosis and appropriate interventions can help relieve symptoms. Unfortunately, the relevant research still needs to be further developed. In this paper, we first start from the definition of DCD, systematically investigate the relevant research papers in the past decades and summarize the current research hotspots and research trends in this field. After summarizing, it is found that this research field has attracted more researchers to join, the number of papers published has increased year by year and has become a hot spot in multidisciplinary research, such as education, psychology, sports rehabilitation, neurobiology, and neuroimaging. The continuous development of the correlation between perinatal factors and DCD, various omics studies, and neuroimaging methods also brings new perspectives and working targets to DCD research. DCD-related research will continue to deepen along the research direction of multivariate, multidimensional, and multimodal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ke
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment for Basic Education Quality, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xueting Su
- Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Sijia Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihao Du
- College of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Shunsen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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3
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Dionne E, Bolduc MÈ, Majnemer A, Beauchamp MH, Brossard-Racine M. Academic Challenges in Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Phys Occup Ther Pediatr 2023; 43:34-57. [PMID: 35611495 DOI: 10.1080/01942638.2022.2073801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a chronic condition affecting motor coordination in daily activities. While motor difficulties are well documented in this population, it is unclear how frequent and to what extent academic activities are affected. This systematic review aims to comprehensively summarize the knowledge regarding the prevalence and extent of academic difficulties in reading, writing and mathematics in school-aged children with DCD. METHODS Two independent reviewers analyzed original studies on academic difficulties in school-aged children with DCD. A binary random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence by academic difficulty. A random-effects model using standardized mean differences (g statistic) was calculated to estimate the extent of the academic difficulties. RESULTS Twenty-four studies were included. A pooled prevalence of 84% of handwriting difficulties and 89.5% of mathematical difficulties was reported. No pooled prevalence of difficulties could be calculated for the other academic outcomes. Children with DCD present with poorer performance in handwriting legibility (g = -1.312) and speed (g = -0.931), writing (g = -0.859), mathematics (g = -1.199) and reading (g = -1.193). CONCLUSIONS This review highlights the high frequency and severity of academic difficulties in children with DCD, specifically in mathematics, which stresses the importance of evaluating academic performance to target interventions to support optimal functioning in daily life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliane Dionne
- Advances in Brain and Child Development Research Laboratory, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Qc, Canada.,School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Qc, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Bolduc
- Advances in Brain and Child Development Research Laboratory, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Qc, Canada.,School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Qc, Canada
| | - Annette Majnemer
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Qc, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Qc, Canada
| | - Miriam H Beauchamp
- Department of Psychology, Montreal University, Montreal, Qc, Canada.,Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Qc, Canada
| | - Marie Brossard-Racine
- Advances in Brain and Child Development Research Laboratory, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Qc, Canada.,School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Qc, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Qc, Canada.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Qc, Canada
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Zwicker JG, Lee EJ. Early intervention for children with/at risk of developmental coordination disorder: a scoping review. Dev Med Child Neurol 2021; 63:659-667. [PMID: 33426644 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To summarize current evidence for early identification and motor-based intervention for children aged 5 years and younger of age with/at risk of developmental coordination disorder (DCD). METHOD Using scoping review methodology, we independently screened over 11 000 articles and selected those that met inclusion criteria. RESULTS Of the 103 included articles, 78 articles were related to early identification and are summarized in a companion article. Twenty-two articles focused on early intervention, with an additional three articles covering both early identification and intervention. Most intervention studies were at a low level of evidence, but provide encouraging evidence that early intervention is beneficial for young children with/at risk of DCD. Direct intervention can be provided to whole classes, small groups, or individuals according to a tiers of service delivery model. Educating and building the capacity of parents and early childhood educators are also key elements of early intervention. INTERPRETATION Evidence for early intervention for children with/at risk of DCD is emerging with promising results. Further studies are needed to determine best practice for early intervention and whether intervening early can prevent the negative developmental trajectory and secondary psychosocial consequences associated with DCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill G Zwicker
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Brain, Behaviour, and Development, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Sunny Hill Health Centre at BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Emily J Lee
- Rehabilitation Science Online Programs, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Nurture Society for Learning and Development, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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O'Dea Á, Coote S, Robinson K. Children and young people's experiences of living with developmental coordination disorder/dyspraxia: study protocol for a qualitative evidence synthesis. HRB Open Res 2021; 2:28. [PMID: 32104780 PMCID: PMC7017181 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.12958.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) face significant challenges to deal with everyday activities due to underlying motor proficiency difficulties. These challenges affect children and young people's participation; that is, involvement in daily life situations. Recent years have seen a growing body of qualitative research examining children's experiences of living with DCD. Meta-ethnographic synthesis offers a rigorous approach to bring together the findings of discrete qualitative studies to be synthesised in order to advance the conceptual understanding of living with DCD, which is not well conceptualised in the literature to date. Conducting a meta-ethnographic synthesis will help to illuminate the meaning of children and young people's experiences of DCD regarding their involvement in everyday activities and situations. Aim This study aims to systematically review and synthesise qualitative literature regarding children and young people's experiences and views of everyday life and living with DCD. Methods The method of qualitative evidence synthesis that will be followed in this review is a meta-ethnography. The eMERGe and PRISMA reporting guidelines will be adhered to. Ten databases will be searched; Academic Search Complete, AMED, CINAHL, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsychArticles, PsychInfo, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. The Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist will be used by two independent reviewers to appraise all included papers. PROSPERO registration number CRD42019129178 Discussion The findings of this meta-ethnography will endeavour to inform future research, policy and practice. In particular, the results will help to inform the design of future complex interventions to meet the needs of children and young people with DCD. Dissemination will involve the publication of the results in a peer-reviewed journal. Increasingly researchers and policymakers are calling for services to be informed by the perspective and voice of children with DCD. Therefore, a policy brief will be published so that the findings are widely available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Áine O'Dea
- School of Allied Health, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Susan Coote
- School of Allied Health, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Katie Robinson
- School of Allied Health, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick, Ireland.,Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick, Ireland.,Ageing Research Centre, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick, Ireland
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O'Dea Á, Coote S, Robinson K. Children and young people's experiences of living with developmental coordination disorder/dyspraxia: study protocol for a qualitative evidence synthesis. HRB Open Res 2020; 2:28. [DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.12958.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) face significant challenges to deal with everyday activities due to underlying motor proficiency difficulties. These challenges affect children and young people’s participation; that is, involvement in daily life situations. Recent years have seen a growing body of qualitative research examining children’s experiences of living with DCD. Meta-ethnographic synthesis offers a rigorous approach to bring together the findings of discrete qualitative studies to be synthesised in order to advance the conceptual understanding of living with DCD, which is not well conceptualised in the literature to date. Conducting a meta-ethnographic synthesis will help to illuminate the meaning of children and young people’s experiences of DCD regarding their involvement in everyday activities and situations. Aim This study aims to systematically review and synthesise qualitative literature regarding children and young people’s experiences and views of everyday life and living with DCD. Methods The method of qualitative evidence synthesis that will be followed in this review is a meta-ethnography. The eMERGe and PRISMA reporting guidelines will be adhered to. Ten databases will be searched; Academic Search Complete, AMED, CINAHL, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsychArticles, PsychInfo, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. The Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist will be used by two independent reviewers to appraise all included papers. PROSPERO registration number CRD42019129178 Discussion The findings of this meta-ethnography will endeavour to inform future research, policy and practice. In particular, the results will help to inform the design of future complex interventions to meet the needs of children and young people with DCD. Dissemination will involve the publication of the results in a peer-reviewed journal. Increasingly researchers and policymakers are calling for services to be informed by the perspective and voice of children with DCD. Therefore, a policy brief will be published so that the findings are widely available.
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O’Dea ÁE, Coote S, Robinson K. Occupational therapy practice with children with developmental coordination disorder: An online qualitative vignette survey. Br J Occup Ther 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/0308022620944100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Children and young people with developmental coordination disorder experience multiple occupational performance and participation challenges across environments. Research to date has not fully explored occupational therapy practice with children with developmental coordination disorder and their families. This study aims to describe current occupational therapy practice with children with developmental coordination disorder. Method This study used a cross-sectional, online qualitative vignette survey methodology. International occupational therapists who were working with or had worked with children with developmental coordination disorder within the previous 5 years were invited to participate. Following a case vignette, clinicians were asked questions prompting them to describe their practice based upon the vignette. The data were analysed thematically. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research and Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys reporting guidelines were adhered to. Findings Fifty-three valid responses were analysed. Analysis identified three themes describing occupational therapy practice with children with developmental coordination disorder: (a) a collaborative approach to establish occupation-focused goals; (b) occupation-focused assessment to guide therapy and diagnose developmental coordination disorder; and (c) the use of occupation-based interventions incorporating multiple strategies to enhance occupational engagement. Conclusion This study suggests that current occupational therapy practice with children with developmental coordination disorder is collaborative, occupation-focused, and multi-component. Findings highlight a gap between the complexity of practice and the nature of interventions evaluated in research to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Áine Emma O’Dea
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Susan Coote
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Katie Robinson
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Karkling M, Paul A, Zwicker JG. Occupational therapists' awareness of guidelines for assessment and diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder: Mesure selon laquelle les ergothérapeutes connaissent les lignes directrices relatives à l'évaluation et au diagnostic du trouble du développement de la coordination. The Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy 2018; 84:148-157. [PMID: 28730904 DOI: 10.1177/0008417417700915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a motor skills disorder that can have negative lifelong psychosocial impacts if not diagnosed. Occupational therapists have a role in facilitating a diagnosis for children with DCD through assessment. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the level of understanding of current DCD guidelines for assessment and diagnosis among occupational therapists working in paediatric settings in British Columbia, Canada. METHOD An online survey was e-mailed to occupational therapists who consented to be contacted for research purposes; 169 paediatric therapists responded. Data were reported using percentage, mean, and standard deviation of responses for each answer. FINDINGS Although many occupational therapists are aware of DCD and the diagnostic criteria, most are unaware of current guidelines for assessment and diagnosis. Many are using cutoff scores inconsistent with current recommendations and thus may not be facilitating a diagnosis when one may be appropriate. IMPLICATIONS Occupational therapists may benefit from targeted education regarding DCD assessment and diagnosis.
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