Developmental coordination disorders: state of art

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Developmental Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Motor coordination difficulties in children have been documented since the early 1900s.
• Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is defined by marked impairment in motor coordination, affecting approximately 6% of school-aged children.
• DCD impacts motor learning and new skill acquisition, distinct from adult apraxia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the varying nature and severity of motor impairment in children with DCD.
• To investigate potential subtypes of DCD through comprehensive assessments.
• To enhance understanding of the mechanisms and cerebral involvement in DCD.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing factor and cluster analysis for an intragroup approach.
• Employing standardized assessments beyond simple motor tests.
• Investigating functions such as neuromuscular tone, soft neurological signs, gross and fine motor coordination, and associated academic, language, gnosic, visual motor/perceptual, and attentional/executive difficulties.

Main Results:

• Motor impairment in DCD children is heterogeneous in severity and nature.
• Current screening measures often rely on developmental milestones and global motor tests.
• A deeper investigation reveals specific associated difficulties that may aid in subtype identification.

Conclusions:

• There is no established consensus on the etiology of DCD.
• A more detailed, multi-faceted assessment approach is needed for accurate DCD subtype identification.
• Understanding DCD subtypes can lead to better diagnostic criteria and insights into the disorder's underlying mechanisms and cerebral correlates.