Early Development and Diagnostic Trajectories in DCD

Early Development and Diagnostic Trajectories in the Child With DCD in Flanders

The aim of this study is to map the early development of children with DCD and the diagnostic trajectory in Flanders.

The Diagnostic and Statistical manual 5th edition (DSM-V) defines Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) as early-onset deficits in acquiring and executing motor coordination skills. These deficits significantly interfere with the performance of activities of daily living and impact on academic productivity, leisure and play.

Although DCD can be identified during preschool, diagnosis generally occurs at primary-school age. Before the age of three (t.i. infancy), some parents already express "something is wrong" with their child albeit DCD is rarely diagnosed within this age-group.

Knowledge on DCD in children before the age of five is limited. The aim of this study is twofold: to explore the early development of children with DCD and to map the diagnostic trajectory of DCD in Flanders.

Design: A qualitative narrative inductive study design by means of audio-recorded in-depth interviews

Sampling: Purposeful maximum variation sampling will be applied.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Parent or guardian of a child diagnosed with DCD
2. Diagnosis of DCD within the last two years
3. Child was max. 12y of age at the moment of DCD diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria:

1. No severe diseases in early childhood greatly impacting development (cancer, severe accident,…)
2. Diagnosis outside of Belgium