Parental report of early features of developmental coordination disorder: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition usually diagnosed after five years of age.

Aims: To evaluate parent-reported early markers of DCD between birth and six years of age.

Methods and procedures: In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of twelve children diagnosed with DCD. Up to three interviews were performed per family. The interviews were then transcribed ad-verbatim and analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis approach.

Outcomes and results: The first theme 'Child-specific features' discusses the children's challenges in diverse developmental domains (motor milestones, activities of daily living, play and exploration, fatigue and sleep, participation, sensory processing, coping skills and friendships, and verbal skills), varying in severity for each child and each domain. The second theme 'Features in the context' discusses subtle markers in the direct environment of the children such as quests for explanations and therapy, specific participation choices, concerns by other caregivers, and the emergence of secondary consequences.

Conclusions and implications: This study reports the presence of early features of DCD from the first year of life and suggests important topics to discuss with parents in the diagnostic process of DCD.

Keywords: Child; DCD; Early development; Parental report; Qualitative analysis.