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Developmental coordination disorder: the impact on the family
Mary Ann Megan Cleaton1, Paula Kate Lorgelly2, Amanda Kirby3
1Dyscovery Centre, University of South Wales, Innovation House, William Price Business Park, Treforest, Pontypridd, UK.
Insights
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) significantly impacts family quality of life (QOL), affecting parental mental health and social well-being. Support from professionals is crucial to mitigate negative consequences for children with DCD and their families.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Pediatric Health
- Family Studies
Background:
- Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects 2-6% of school-aged children, impacting their quality of life (QOL).
- Previous research has not extensively evaluated the QOL impact of childhood DCD on UK families.
- Understanding family QOL is crucial for comprehensive DCD support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the parental and family quality of life (QOL) in UK families with a child diagnosed with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD).
- To identify specific domains of family QOL affected by childhood DCD.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods study utilizing an online questionnaire.
- Inclusion of the Family QOL Scale and the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey.
- Targeting UK families with children aged 6-18 years diagnosed with DCD.
Main Results:
- Family QOL, particularly emotional and disability support domains, was negatively impacted by DCD.
- Lack of professional support (medical, educational) emerged as a significant stressor for families.
- Parental mental health, work-life, social life, and siblings' well-being were adversely affected.
Conclusions:
- Childhood DCD has a substantial effect on the overall family unit.
- Recognition by healthcare and educational professionals is essential for appropriate service targeting.
- Addressing family QOL impacts can prevent wider social and economic consequences associated with DCD.
Purpose:
Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with an estimated prevalence of 2-6% in school-aged children. Children with DCD score lower in multiple quality of life (QOL) domains. However, the effect of a child's DCD on their parents' and family's QOL has not previously been assessed in a UK population. We aimed to assess parental and family QOL within UK families containing at least one child aged 6-18 years who was diagnosed with DCD.
Methods:
A mixed-methods study was designed, using an online questionnaire that incorporated the Family QOL Scale and the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey.
Results:
The emotional and disability support domains of family QOL were markedly negatively affected by DCD, with lack of support by medical and educational professionals cited as a major source of stress. Parental mental health was also negatively affected. In many cases, the child's DCD impacted on parental work life, family social life and siblings' well-being.
Conclusions:
Having a child with DCD has a considerable impact on families. This needs to be recognised by healthcare and other professionals; otherwise, services and support may not be appropriately targeted and the negative sequelae of DCD may ripple beyond the individual with costly social and economic consequences.
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