Children with developmental coordination disorders: a review of approaches to assessment and intervention

TL;DR

This paper reviews how to assess and treat children with Developmental Coordination Disorder to improve their motor skills and daily functioning.

Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of assessment and intervention strategies for DCD within the ICF-CY framework.

Findings

DCD affects motor skills and can persist into adulthood if untreated.

Early assessment and intervention are essential for better outcomes.

Rehabilitation strategies should consider body functions, activities, and environmental factors.

Abstract

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in motor skills, with gross and fine motor dysfunction being the main symptom. This condition greatly impairs children’s daily life, learning, and social interaction. Symptoms typically appear during preschool or school age, and if left untreated, they can persist into adulthood. Thus, early assessment and intervention are crucial to improve the prognosis. This study aims to review the existing literature on DCD, providing a comprehensive overview of the assessment for children with DCD in terms of body functions and structures, activities and participation, and environmental factors within the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health - Children and Youth (ICF-CY). Additionally, specific rehabilitation interventions will be described, offering valuable insights for the clinical assessment and intervention of children with DCD.

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