Perceptions of Youth With DCD Regarding Their Occupational Participation in Home, School, Community, and Workplace

Challenges associated with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) persist into emerging adulthood and may affect participation in occupations. This qualitative descriptive study aims to understand the perspectives of transition-aged youth on their participation at home, school, community, and workplace. Sixteen youth with DCD (nine males, seven females) aged 12 to 20 (M = 15.4) completed the Youth, Young-adult Participation and Environment Measure (Y-PEM), followed by individualized stimulated recall interviews to reflect on Y-PEM results. Inductive content analysis identified seven categories. Three informative categories, closely related to Y-PEM constructs, included Repertoire of activities, Environmental barriers and supports, and Strategies to promote participation. Four reflective categories, providing insights into participation experiences, included Recognizing their own abilities, personal attributes and habits, Achieving personal goals and hoped-for selves, What is guiding their participation, and Family impact. Findings can redirect attention toward participation aspirations and supportive environments when promoting meaningful participation during this transitional period.