A review of evidence and models of practice employed by Allied Health Professionals in Scotland
Full report from Queen Margaret University, Nov 2007 (PDF, 1.5MB, 3min 44secs)
This report provides a synthesis of evidence, organised around children’s and families’ journeys through healthcare services, and developed into a framework, with the intent of supporting therapists deliver effective practice for children with DCD.
About Developmental Co-ordination Disorder
DCD is a motor skill disorder that often becomes evident in school-aged children. Children with DCD lack the motor co-ordination necessary to perform tasks considered appropriate for their age, given normal intellectual ability and the absence of other neurological disorders.
Why we carried out the report
One of the topics identified within the Children’s Services Topic Specific Group was developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD).
DCD was identified for further work for the following reasons:
- DCD is a common disorder. Prevalence of movement difficulties in children has been reported as high as 19%. However, two studies undertaken in the UK reported a prevalence of 5% and 8.5% respectively1.
- Children with DCD may have other difficulties, and there are co-morbidities associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and speech and language impairments.
- A key method of managing DCD is through the assessment and interventions of allied health professionals (AHPs). These include podiatrists, orthoptists, orthotists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.
- To date, no synthesised evidence (professional, service user and scientific evidence) has been available in Scotland to support therapists to understand clinically effective practice for children with DCD.