Investigating the impact of developmental coordination difficulties across home, school, and community settings: Findings from the Australian Impact for DCD survey

Abstract

Aim

To evaluate the participation difficulties experienced by children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in home, school, and community environments.

Methods

The Impact for DCD survey was completed by primary caregivers of 4–18-year-old children with DCD (or synonymous diagnosis) (n = 429).

Outcomes and results

The greatest participation difficulties experienced at home included dressing, eating with utensils, self-care tasks and drawing/writing reported by over 70% of families. At school, fine motor difficulties were also frequently reported, with additional difficulties keeping up or completing tasks, and not feeling supported at school. Socialisation challenges and bullying were also commonly reported (34.9%). As a result of participation difficulties at school, 5.4% were home schooled. Many children engaged in community activity, with 72.0% currently engaged in at least one organised sports-based activity.

Conclusions and implications

Increased recognition of the widespread impact of DCD in a child’s life is crucial at an individual and societal level. Parents reported their children experiencing significant participation restrictions and difficulties. The findings of this large-scale study have revealed that most children with DCD are not receiving the support they need to thrive, especially at school. This largely reflects a lack of understanding and recognition of the condition and its associated challenges.