Clinical expression of developmental coordination disorder in a large Canadian family.

Previous studies of the phenotype of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) have largely concentrated on population-based samples. The present study reports on an in-depth examination of a large Canadian family with eight children, after three children who were suspected to have DCD were referred for evaluation. Subsequently, five of the six children whose motor impairments could be measured, and the mother, met the diagnostic criteria for DCD as per the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - fourth edition.

Description of children identified by physicians as having developmental coordination disorder.

The aim of this study was to describe in detail a large group of children aged 4 to 12 years who were diagnosed with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) by physicians following a rigorous multidisciplinary procedure. As part of a community-based DCD knowledge translation program, physicians received specialized training and were invited to identify children with probable DCD who were referred for further investigation to help confirm the diagnosis. Of 116 children (87 males, 29 females; age range 4y 1mo - 12y 11mo, mean age 8y) identified as having probable DCD by physician participants, 88 (76%) were subsequently diagnosed with DCD and 77.

Enabling occupation through facilitating the diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder.

Background: The largest proportion of children seen within school-based occupational therapy is referred for handwriting difficulties. Many of these children have Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), a disorder that often goes undiagnosed, making if difficult for children, parents, and teachers to access resources.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to outline the important role of occupational therapists in recognizing and facilitating the diagnosis of DCD.