Awareness and knowledge of developmental coordination disorder: A survey of caregivers, teachers, allied health professionals and medical professionals in Australia.
Jacqui Hunt1, Annette Raynor1, Erin Godecke1,2, Jill Zwicker3,41Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia2Sir Charles Gairdner and Osborne Park Hospital Care Group , Perth, WA, Australia3The University of British Columbia , British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada4British Columbia Children’s Hospital, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
Abstract
Introduction: Key stakeholders must be familiar with/able to identify common features of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) for accurate/timely diagnosis. No studies have investigated awareness of DCD among key stakeholders in Australia.
Methods: 494 Australian participants: primary caregivers (n=153), teachers (n=149), allied health professionals (n=165) and medical professionals (n=27) completed an online survey.
Results: DCD was among the least known childhood disorders. Allied health professionals demonstrated greater knowledge of DCD features, particularly motor features. All groups showed poor recognition of social and psychological effects of DCD.
A relatively low percentage of allied health (53%) and medical (33%) professionals reported having identified/diagnosed DCD and less than 20% of these felt that the DSM-5 contained adequate information to diagnose. Most teachers (82%) believed they should play a role in identifying early warning signs and 80% believed there are children in the school system who were labelled as lazy or defiant when they have motor skills impairments. Primary caregivers were supportive of diagnosis; however, only 16% were confident that a physician would provide accurate/timely diagnosis.
Conclusion: Key stakeholders play a unique role in identifying children with DCD. Though most participants acknowledge the role that they play, all groups demonstrated poor familiarity with the term DCD and low levels of knowledge about DCD features. Improved familiarity/knowledge is needed for access to appropriate services and improved long-term outcomes.
Biography
With 28 years of experience in clinical occupational therapy, Jacqui has a passion for research that has high relevance to paediatric clinical practice. She is currently exploring Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and is passionate about improving the identification and treatment of this common childhood disorder.