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Steenbergen B, Valtr L, Dunford C, Prunty M, Bekhuis H, Temlali TY, van Abswoude F, Lust JM, Warlop G, Augustijn M, Smits-Engelsman BCM, Wilson PH. Awareness about developmental coordination disorder. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1345257. [PMID: 38362216 PMCID: PMC10867205 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1345257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The present paper is designed to promote awareness of DCD outside the academic world. With a prevalence of 5-6% it is one of the most common disorders of child development. It is therefore surprising that so little is known about it among professionals in child healthcare and education. Parents have expressed frustration about this lack of awareness, including the general public. The general aim of this paper was to describe those critical aspects of DCD that will promote awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert Steenbergen
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Ludvík Valtr
- Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Carolyn Dunford
- Department of Health Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Melissa Prunty
- Department of Health Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Hidde Bekhuis
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Femke van Abswoude
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jessica M. Lust
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Griet Warlop
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mireille Augustijn
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bouwien C. M. Smits-Engelsman
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation, Faculty Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Peter H. Wilson
- Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czechia
- Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Klein ES, Licari M, Barbic S, Zwicker JG. Diagnostic services for developmental coordination disorder: Gaps and opportunities identified by parents. Child Care Health Dev 2024; 50:e13230. [PMID: 38265129 DOI: 10.1111/cch.13230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Affecting one in 20 children, Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder impacting a child's ability to learn motor skills. Despite its high prevalence, DCD is under-recognized and under-diagnosed, causing unnecessary frustration and stress for families who are seeking help for their child. This study aimed to understand how parents procure diagnostic services and their perspectives on needed supports and services to improve early identification and diagnosis of DCD. METHODS Using a multi-pronged recruitment strategy, we circulated the impACT for DCD online questionnaire to parents of children (<18 years) in British Columbia with suspected or diagnosed DCD. Data were analysed descriptively using medians/interquartile ranges for continuous data and frequencies/percentages for categorical data. Open-ended questions were analysed using exploratory content analysis. RESULTS A total of 237 respondent data were analysed. Parents identified poor awareness and understanding of health care professionals and educators regarding aetiology, symptomology, and impacts of DCD, affecting timely access to diagnostic services. Long waitlists were also a barrier that often led families with financial means to procure private diagnostic assessments. CONCLUSION A standard of care is needed for streamlined diagnostic services, enabling early identification and early intervention. A publicly funded, family-centred, collaborative care approach is critical to assess, diagnose, and treat children with this disorder and to mitigate the secondary physical and mental health consequences associated with DCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin S Klein
- Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Brain, Behaviour, & Development Theme, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Melissa Licari
- Telethon Kids Institute and University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Skye Barbic
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jill G Zwicker
- Brain, Behaviour, & Development Theme, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics (Division of Developmental Pediatrics), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, Hamilton, Canada
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Klein ES, Cheung C, Garces A, Barbic S, Zwicker JG. Caregiver burden and mental health: Parent perspectives when raising a child with developmental coordination disorder. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2024; 144:104656. [PMID: 38141380 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2023.104656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) are at high risk for mental health disorders, stemming from challenges participating in motor activities. Parents of children with DCD report increased caregiver burden exacerbated by insufficient support and services for their child. A paucity of literature exists on parent and child mental health associated with a DCD diagnosis. AIMS To explore parent perceptions of their child's mental health, and the impact of DCD on family and parental mental health. METHODS AND PROCEDURES Implementation of a secondary analysis using the impACT for DCD, a cross-sectional online survey of parents of children with self-reported suspected or confirmed diagnosis of DCD living in British Columbia, Canada. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics and content analysis. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Of the 237 participants, more than one third of parents (36%) rated their own mental health to be fair or poor, and the majority (90%) expressed concern for their child's mental health. Themes emerged on the impact of DCD on child, parent, and family, influenced by access to resources. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Standard of care for DCD needs to include services and supports that address caregiver burden and mental health of children with DCD and their families. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS This paper explores parent perceptions of their child(ren)'s and their own mental health when raising a child with DCD in British Columbia (BC). In BC, there is a lack of research on the mental health challenges families face when their child has a diagnosis of DCD. Amongst health care providers, there tends to be a focus on DCD as a motor disorder, with limited understanding and acknowledgement of the mental health component for children and their families. Thus, this study will inform health-care providers, parents, educators, and policy makers on parent-identified mental health needs and the essential services and supports. Unique to this study was the inclusion of a descriptive and exploratory content analysis, providing a holistic understanding of parents' perceptions regarding the impact of DCD on their children and themselves. Our results revealed that parents perceive significant inter-connected impacts of DCD on the child, parents, and family, leading to poor mental health for parents and their child(ren). Limited access to resources and supports results in a negative trajectory for family mental health and well-being. Study results indicate the critical importance of addressing mental health, in addition to motor challenges. Healthcare providers need to adopt a family-centred approach to address the physical and psychosocial impairments associated with DCD, ensuring positive outcomes for children and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin S Klein
- Graduate Programs in Rehabilitation Sciences, University of British Columbia, T121 - 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Musqueam Territory, Vancouver, BC V6B 2B5, Canada; Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, T325 - 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Musqueam Territory, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 4480 Oak Street, Musqueam, Squamish, & Tsleil-Waututh Territory, Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Detwiller Pavilion, University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Musqueam Territory, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada
| | - Carrie Cheung
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, T325 - 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Musqueam Territory, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Detwiller Pavilion, University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Musqueam Territory, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada
| | - Angie Garces
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, T325 - 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Musqueam Territory, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Detwiller Pavilion, University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Musqueam Territory, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada
| | - Skye Barbic
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, T325 - 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Musqueam Territory, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada; Centre for Health Evaluation Outcome Sciences, University of British Columbia, 570 - 1081 Burrard St, Musqueam, Squamish, & Tsleil-Waututh Territory, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Detwiller Pavilion, University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Musqueam Territory, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada; Foundry, 1260 Granville St, Musqueam, Squamish, & Tsleil-Waututh Territory, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1M4, Canada
| | - Jill G Zwicker
- Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, T325 - 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Musqueam Territory, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 4480 Oak Street, Musqueam, Squamish, & Tsleil-Waututh Territory, Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Detwiller Pavilion, University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Musqueam Territory, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Rm 2D19 - 4480 Oak Street, Musqueam, Squamish, & Tsleil-Waututh Territory, Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4, Canada.
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