Gender and age differences in the presentation of at-risk or probable Developmental Coordination Disorder in adults.

Background: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also called Dyspraxia, is a common Neurodevelopmental Disorder (NDD) that affects motor coordination with a marked impact on both academic and day-to-day living activities. It is increasingly clear that NDDs such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder may present differently in males and females, resulting in under diagnoses of women and girls. Aims: To consider age and gender differences in the presentation of at-risk and probable DCD. Methods and Procedures: A sample of 1,476 adults aged 16-60 years were surveyed online using the Adult DCD Checklist. Outcomes and Results: Women with at-risk ( n = 1 8 6 , 1 6 . 6 % ) or probable DCD (n=6 4 3 , 5 6 . 6 % ) reported significantly greater gross motor and non-motor difficulties and significantly greater impact on activities and participation, whereas men with at-risk (n= 58,16.3%) or probable (n=177,49.9%), DCD reported significantly greater fine motor difficulties. Emerging adults (aged 16-25 years) with at-risk (n=65,14.3%) or probable (293,64.3%) DCD reported significantly greater fine motor and non-motor difficulties than adults (aged 26-60+ years) with at-risk (n=179,17.5%) or probable (n=518, 50.8%) DCD. Conclusions and Implications: Both age and gender differences were found in the presentation of at-risk and probable DCD in adults. This may have implications for the development of future DCD assessment tools and for the training of front-line staff who may encounter individuals with DCD throughout their lives, including teachers, doctors and employers’ Human Resources and Occupational Health staff