The effectiveness of occupational therapy for children with developmental coordination disorder: a review of the qualitative literature

The aim of the review was to support evidence-based practice by identifying and describing interventions that were perceived to be effective by children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and their parents. DCD is a common diagnostic term used internationally to describe children who have a motor skills disorder that interferes significantly with their successful participation in everyday activities at home and school (American Psychiatric Association [APA] 1994). It is estimated that up to 6% of children aged 5-12 years, mostly boys, are affected (Sutton Hamilton 2002). Children with DCD are a heterogeneous group, frequently presenting with symptoms that differ in range and severity or coexist with other learning, emotional and behavioural disorders (Sutton Hamilton 2002). This multifactorial condition has gained public recognition because longitudinal studies suggest that the long-term prospects for adolescents and adults with a lack of coordination are poor (Wilson 2005). There is growing evidence that motor deficits persist and are commonly associated with social and emotional problems, which is contradictory to a common assumption that has been long held that over time children outgrow their difficulties (Sutton Hamilton 2002). The aim of reviewing the literature is to provide guidance for practitioners to ensure that interventions for this heterogeneous group are effective and evidence based, reflecting the needs of service users. It is important that The effectiveness of occupational therapy for children with developmental coordination disorder: a review of the qualitative literature