Motor coordination and emotional-behavioral problems in children.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is characterized by significant motor coordination impairments.
• Understanding the etiology and co-occurring conditions of DCD is crucial for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current research on Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD).
• To focus on comorbidity patterns and etiological factors associated with DCD.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of recent scientific literature on DCD.
• Analysis of studies investigating the co-occurrence of DCD with other disorders.

Main Results:

• Consistent challenges exist in defining and identifying DCD cases in research.
• High rates of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and internalizing disorders are reported in children with DCD.
• Findings suggest DCD may be part of a broader syndrome, but evidence also supports distinct etiologies for DCD and ADHD.
• Internalizing disorders may arise as a consequence of living with DCD.

Conclusions:

• Persistent measurement issues complicate DCD research.
• Comorbidity findings enhance understanding of DCD's nature but fuel debate on its diagnostic validity.