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A two-step procedure for the identification of children with developmental co-ordination disorder in Singapore
1School of Physical Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
Insights
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects 4% of Singaporean primary school children aged 6-9. This study identified DCD using a two-step screening method to understand its prevalence in the local population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting motor skills.
- Accurate prevalence data is crucial for early intervention and support services.
- Previous DCD prevalence studies in Singaporean children are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of DCD in Singaporean primary school children aged 6-9 years.
- To apply a validated screening tool for identifying potential DCD cases.
- To inform public health strategies and educational support for affected children.
Main Methods:
- A random sample of 427 children aged 6-9 years from Singaporean primary schools was recruited.
- Henderson's and Sugden's Movement Assessment Battery for Children was used for a two-step identification procedure.
- Prevalence was calculated based on the proportion of children meeting criteria in the two-step screening.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of DCD was found to be 4% in the studied population.
- The two-step procedure identified children with significant motor coordination impairments.
- The identified cases met criteria for DCD, excluding those with intellectual or physical disabilities.
Conclusions:
- DCD affects a notable percentage of young children in Singapore, necessitating targeted interventions.
- The utilized screening method effectively identifies children at risk for DCD.
- Further research and support programs are recommended to address the needs of children with DCD.
Abstract:
The prevalence of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) among 6- to 9- year-old Singaporean primary school children was studied from a random sample (N = 427) through a two-step identification procedure contained within Henderson's and Sugden's Movement Assessment Battery for Children. The prevalence rate from this two step procedure was 4% when the first step included the bottom 15% of the random sample. The two-step procedure moves towards fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for DCD set out by the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV) and the World Health Organisation (ICD-10) of a serious motor impairment in the development of motor coordination and significant interference with the activities of daily living not due in children to mental retardation or a known physical disability.