How developmental coordination disorder affects daily life: The adolescent perspective

Fouziah Khairati; Natalie Stewart; Jill G Zwicker

doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2023.104640

How developmental coordination disorder affects daily life: The adolescent perspective

Res Dev Disabil. 2024 Jan:144:104640. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2023.104640. Epub 2023 Dec 5.

Authors

Fouziah Khairati¹, Natalie Stewart¹, Jill G Zwicker²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, T325 - 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada.
² Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of British Columbia, T325 - 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, K3-180 - 4480 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Rm 2D19 - 4480 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4, Canada. Electronic address: jill.zwicker@ubc.ca.

PMID: 38056031
DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2023.104640

Abstract

Background: Few studies have focused on the implications of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in the teen years. Understanding the unique needs of adolescents with DCD and the challenges they face are imperative to inform clinical care.

Aim: To understand how DCD affects daily life from adolescents living with the disorder.

Methods: Participants were recruited from a database of adolescents who were formally diagnosed with DCD in childhood. Nineteen semi-structured interviews of adolescents with DCD (13-18 years) were conducted and analyzed using an interpretive description approach.

Results: Data analysis revealed four overarching themes: (1) Through the years; (2) Standing out, left out, opting out; (3) Rising into Resilience; and (4) Help me to be me. Adolescents with DCD face challenges in physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and mental health domains, but their success can be optimized through provision of support, fostering social connections, the use of strategies, and increasing public understanding. Few services currently exist for adolescents with DCD, as treatment is not standard of care.

Conclusions and implications: Insights gained from this study provide client-centred evidence to advocate for intervention for adolescents with DCD, and guide recommendations for clinical care and community support to meet the needs of this under-served population. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS?: This paper qualitatively explores the lived experience of adolescents with DCD, adding to the limited research within this population. Expanding beyond the typical focus of motor challenges, this paper highlights the widespread influence of DCD on daily life, including in cognitive, mental health, and social-emotional domains. Common environmental contexts that exacerbate challenges during adolescent years are explored, including high school PE class and electives, learning to drive, beginning employment, and preparing for post-secondary education. Through an interpretive description methodology, this paper delves into clinical and practical solutions to support adolescents with DCD, from an individualized and client-centered perspective.

Keywords: Adolescence; Developmental coordination disorder; Motor skills disorder; Qualitative.

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Humans
Learning
Mental Health
Motor Skills Disorders* / diagnosis
Schools