The impact for DCD – USA study: The current state of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) in the United States of America

Abstract

Background

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is among the most under-recognized and under-supported disorders worldwide.

Aims

To present a preliminary national study that evaluated the unmet needs of children with DCD in the USA using the Impact for DCD survey.

Methods and procedures

232 parents of individuals aged 5–18 years provided responses from 36 items in five domains (diagnosis, activity/participation, education, therapy, and social/emotional health).

Outcomes and results

Most children (81.9%) had a formal diagnosis for movement difficulties, and 91.6% of parents reported that receiving a diagnosis was helpful, but most had not heard of the diagnosis before. The most common co-occurring diagnoses were childhood apraxia of speech and other speech-language disorders (24.6%), ADHD (23.1%), and anxiety (18.8%). Most parents reported that their children withdrew from or avoided movement-related activities (53%), and nearly all (94.8%) were concerned about the impact of motor difficulties on their children’s social and emotional health. Only 37% of parents reported feeling that their child received sufficient therapy.

Conclusions and implications

Generally, parents reported feeling frustrated with others’ understanding and awareness of the condition and with therapy services. The results shown here provide timely data that can support efforts for increased awareness, improved diagnosis, and increased availability of services for DCD in the USA.