Psychometric Validation and Reference Norms for the European Spanish Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire: DCDQ-ES

Abstract

The Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ) is a widely used and well-validated tool that contributes to the diagnosis of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). The aim of this study was to further analyze the psychometric properties of the European Spanish cross-culturally adapted version of the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ-ES) in a sample of Spanish children aged 6–11 years and to establish reference norms with respect to age groups. Parents of 540 typically developing children completed the DCDQ-ES. A second sample of 30 children with probable DCD (pDCD) was used to test its discriminant validity. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the original three-factor structure and the internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach’s α = 0.907). Significant differences between age groups were found. The pDCD group scored significantly lower than the reference sample in the three subscales and DCDQ-ES total score (p < 0.001; AUC = 0.872). The DCDQ-ES is a reliable and valid tool for screening motor coordination difficulties in Spanish children and for identifying children with probable DCD. The findings of this research suggest that context-specific cut-off scores should be systematically utilized when using cross-cultural adaptations of the DCDQ. Age-specific cut-off scores for Spanish children are provided.

Developmental Coordination Disorder, Motor Performance, and Daily Participation in Children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder

“…The European Spanish version of the DCDQ [ 29 , 30 ] was used to identify children at risk of DCD. The DCDQ is a well validated and widely used instrument to operationalize criterion B of the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria of DCD [ 7 , 11 ].…”

“…Items scores are summed to provide total and subscale scores, where higher scores indicate better daily motor performance [ 31 ]. The DCDQ has demonstrated good cultural equivalence, internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.907), construct validity and discriminant validity in Spanish children (sensitivity = 76.7%; specificity = 83.3%; Area Under the Curve = 0.872) [ 29 , 30 ].…”

“…Children who scored at or below age-specific 15th percentile in DCDQ total score (criterion B of the DSM-5 DCD diagnosis) were identified as having probable DCD (p-DCD) [ 30 , 31 ]. Criterion D (the motor skills deficits are not better explained by intellectual disability or by medical conditions affecting movement) was confirmed by only including children in the control group who had not a known diagnosis of learning, medical, or neurodevelopmental condition.…”

Assessment of Motor Activities of Daily Living: Spanish Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Reliability and Construct Validity of the DCDDaily-Q

“…Recent research suggests that the prevalence of DCD in Spanish children is high, as 8–12% of schoolchildren show risk of DCD [ 11 , 12 , 13 ]. Until now, the DCDQ is the only cross-culturally adapted and valid questionnaire available to identify children with probable DCD in Spain [ 14 , 15 ], but a measure that assesses both participation and quality of motor performance in a broad range of meaningful, functional daily activities in Spain is lacking. Additionally, academic researchers and health practitioners could benefit from having an instrument that addresses both performance and participation to further promote performance through participation in children with motor coordination issues, as recommended by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health [ 16 ].…”

Participation in Everyday Activities of Children with and without Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study in Spain

“…In a comprehensive review on ADHD prevalence conducted by Polanczyk et al, it was reported that 9.5% of children had a lifetime diagnosis of ADHD worldwide during the past three decades [ 7 ], while this prevalence ranges between 4.1% and 8.8% among Spanish children and adolescents [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Reported estimates of the prevalence of DCD in schoolchildren usually range between 5 and 6% [ 11 , 12 , 13 ] but recent studies have found that up to 12.0% of Spanish children are at risk of DCD [ 14 , 15 ]. While the prevalence estimates of ASDs are significantly lower, with approximately 1–2% of children presenting with an ASD, the consequences of these disorders in everyday living are much more severe and restrictive, thus making ASDs some of the most studied neurodevelopmental conditions [ 9 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ].…”