An Investigation of Developmental Coordination Disorder Characteristics in Children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech

Purpose: Children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) evidence a high rate of co-occurring fine and gross motor deficits. This clinical focus article reports a preliminary investigation of characteristics of developmental coordination disorder (DCD), a neurodevelopmental disorder categorized by poor motor proficiency and functional limitations, in this population. Method: Children with CAS underwent a comprehensive motor evaluation using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children–Second Edition, the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire, and a developmental history questionnaire to determine if they met criteria for a DCD diagnosis as specified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Results: Six out of seven participants met DCD criteria based on the DSM-5 criteria. Four of these children had a co-occurring diagnosis of developmental language disorder, and all met criteria for DCD. Conclusions: Consistent with previous research, the majority of participants demonstrated motor deficits and 85% met criteria for DCD. Despite this high rate of motor deficits, only 57% had previously undergone a physical/occupational therapy evaluation and intervention and only one had a previous diagnosis of DCD. These findings suggest that formal movement assessments are essential for children with a CAS diagnosis

The Association between Parent\u27s Perception and Child\u27s Actual Motor Skills in Preschool-age Children

The preschool years is a critical time for the optimal development of children\u27s fine and gross motor skills for future engagement in physical activity. Parents play a critical role in the development of these skills and early identification of potential developmental delays in their children. Early identification of developmental delay is essential for early intervention and rely on accurate child screenings that are often administered by parents. Few studies have compared the accuracy of parent’s perceptions across two different measurements with children\u27s actual motor skills. PURPOSE: This study compared parents\u27 perceptions of their child’s motor skills on two assessments with their actual performance on the MABC-2. METHODS: 45 preschool-age children across the metro DFW area participated in this study (26 girls and 19 boys, Mage = 4.0).  IRB approval was obtained for all participants. Children were assessed using the MABC-2. The MABC-2 is comprised of 8 items across three subdomains (aiming and catching, manual dexterity, and balance). Parents completed two separate surveys on the perception of their child\u27s motor skills (Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ), and the Little Developmental Coordination Disorder questionnaire (LDCDQ). The ASQ ask parents to compare their child\u27s abilities against other children within the same age group across five different domains (communication, gross motor, fine motor, personal-social, and problem solving). The LDCDQ ask parents to rate their child’s gross and fine motor abilities across fifteen different items. Bivariate correlations were used to analyze the relationship between parent responses and children’s scores on the MABC-2. RESULTS: On the LDCDQ, parents rating on fine motor skills was significantly related to total MABC-2 score; (p = .006, R = 0.402), manual dexterity (p= .038, R = 0.310), and aiming and catching (p-value = .005, R = 0.407). On the ASQ, parent\u27s ratings on fine motor skills were significantly related to total MABC-2 scores (p= .048, R = 0.303). Parent’s ratings on their child’s ASQ personal social skills were significantly related to total MABC-2 scores (p= .011, R = 0.385), and aiming and catching (p = .013, R = 0.377). No other correlations were significant amongst the parent assessments and child’s MABC scores. CONCLUSION: While neither assessment appeared to be more related to children\u27s actual scores than the other, in both assessments fines motors skills were more closely related to children\u27s actual performance

A cross-country comparison of the impact of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder affecting one in 20 children, yet it is under-recognised and under-supported. To raise awareness of the challenges associated with DCD and to improve support, an international campaign has been launched – Impact for DCD. National surveys have been completed across 6 countries to date, examining challenges relating to diagnosis, function, participation, education, therapy, and the socio-emotional impact on the child and family. Findings from this large-scale international dataset (based on N = 2000 children: Australia n = 443; Belgium n = 491; Canada n = 488; Sweden n = 106; United Kingdom n = 240; United States of America n = 232) will be shared, accompanied by parental lived experiences. Key findings across the countries will be presented, including barriers to diagnosis, the use of inconsistent terminology, limited funding for support, lack of awareness, and high rates of mental health issues. We will explore similarities and differences between countries and delve into possible underlying factors contributing to these findings and possible (inter)national solutions. Relevance The ‘ImpACT for DCD’ is a research initiative by academics and stakeholders to measure the IMPact of DCD and to assist in the initiation of the ACTion required for change. The results can support efforts for increased awareness and availability of services. It empowers individuals to know that they are not alone in facing these challenges