Adaptation and Extension of the European Recommendations (EACD) on Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) for the UK context

Abstract

Background. Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects the learning and performance of everyday motor skills. It commonly co-occurs with other developmental disorders and a range of associated psycho-social impairments. Recent evidence-based guidelines on diagnosis, assessment and intervention provide valuable information for practitioners. However these are directed primarily at German-speaking countries and focus on work with children.Aim. The aim of this project was to consider the application of these guidelines in the UK and to extend them for use with adults with DCD.Methods. Individuals with DCD, parents and professionals from a wide range of disciplines were invited to two workshops to discuss and debate the guidelines, to adapt them for the UK and produce dissemination materials.Results. A working definition of DCD was agreed, minor revisions were made to the guidelines to reflect the UK context, an extension for adults was compiled and a series of leaflets was produced to disseminate this information to health and education professionals, parents and employers.Conclusions. This work will raise awareness of the condition across different professional groups. It provides information to help those working with children and adults with DCD in the UK to assist in the process of diagnosis, assessment and intervention.

When an object appears unexpectedly: anticipatory movement and object circumvention in individuals with and without Developmental Coordination Disorder

“…Participants with DCD were recruited from two sources: from a group known to the authors from previous studies; and from a local support group for individuals with DCD and their families. All participants with DCD were assessed and selected in line with the DSM-5 criteria for DCD and with recent UK guidelines (Barnett, Hill, Kirby, & Sugden, 2015 Individuals with DCD scored below the 16 th percentile on the MABC-2 and below the 18 th percentile on the BOT-2 Brief. To determine that the motor impairment significantly impacted on daily living (criterion B) the MABC-2 Checklist, the DCD-Q (Wilson, Kaplan, Crawford, Campbell, & Dewey, 2000) and a telephone interview with the parent was used for individuals ≤17yrs of age while the Adult Developmental Coordination Disorder Checklist (ADC; Kirby & Rosenblum, 2008) and a telephone interview with the participant was used for individuals >17yrs.…”

Gait patterns in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder

“…Participants with DCD were recruited from a group known to the authors from previous studies and from a local support group for individuals with DCD and their families. All participants with DCD were assessed and selected in line with the DSM-5 criteria for DCD and with recent UK guidelines (Barnett, Hill, Kirby, & Sugden, 2015 ). For criterion A the test component of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children second edition (MABC-2;…”

Surveying parental experiences of receiving a diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder (DCD)

“…Expectations were: (1) Greater awareness and recognition of the condition; (2) Improved access to services; (3) Establishment of clear diagnostic criteria and examinations; (4) Better information about available therapies; and (5) Data concerning the effectiveness of therapy in relation to improvement of motor difficulties, execution of daily activities and/or participation. The EACD recommendations were reached after a systematic evaluation of the literature and consensus from experts in the field, and have also been adapted for the UK to ensure their applicability for health and educational services in this country (Barnett, Hill, Kirby, & Sugden, 2012;. This UK adaptation was coordinated by the UK umbrella organization Movement Matters and involved a broad range of stakeholders including medics, allied health professionals, teachers, educational psychologists, researchers, adults with DCD, and parents.…”