Introduction The latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has attempted to recognise the pervasiveness of developmental coordination disorder across the lifespan. However, it falls short at describing the non-motoric symptomology such as executive functioning, social, emotional and psychiatric difficulties commonly reported in adults. Consequently, at the point of entry the self-reported functional difficulties of an adult with developmental coordination disorder may not be immediately associated with an underlying deficit within a motor domain, potentially resulting in inappropriate referrals. Method This study aimed to explore the reasons why 16 adults without a previous diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder referred themselves for a clinical assessment and consider whether their significant motor difficulties would be apparent. Results The primary self-reported concerns related to executive functioning difficulties, activities of daily living, changes in routine and social interaction and engagement. The least common self-reported concerns included gross motor skills. Conclusion Practitioners at the point of entry need to be mindful that adults with significant motor difficulties may not identify motor difficulties as their primary concern. It is, therefore, important to include screening for motor difficulties and for a future clinical landscape to comprise a referral pathway to adult neurodevelopmental clinics incorporating multidisciplinary teams.

Purpose of ReviewThis phenomenological study explored the lived experience of six adults with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and its potential impact on functional mobility. Utilising the International Classification of Functioning (World Health Organisation, 2001), the data derived from interviews were analysed to consider how persistent motor impairments impact on activity engagement and participation.Recent FindingsMuch of the research evidence pertaining to DCD focuses on children. However, there is increasing acknowledgment that for some, the motor impairments synonymous with DCD continue into adulthood.SummaryThe findings from this study suggest that for this group of participants, functional mobility can be compromised, restricting activity and participation. At a body structure/function level, participants identified additional impairments that moved beyond mobility, suggesting that the secondary consequences of fatigue and anxiety were disabling. However, personal factors were seen to mitigate some difficulties encountered to allow participants to remain actively engaged in a range of adult roles.

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