Episode 25 (Dr Melissa Licari)

IMPACT FOR DCD (Developmental Coordination Disorder) Names of Investigators:Dr Melissa Licari, Dr Jacqueline Williams, Dr Gail Alvares, Charmain Bernie, Wesley Billingham, Dr Paola Chivers, Dr Matthew Cooper, Georgina Earl, A/Prof Jenny Downs, Brian Elbers, Samantha Elbers, Prof Catherine Elliott, Dr Kiah Evans, Dr Tamika Heiden, Dr Leanne Lester, A/Prof Fleur McIntyre, Dr Sarah McIntyre, Prof Jan Piek, Sarah Pillar, Dr Siobhan Reid, Dr Jess Reynolds, Prof Alicia Spittle, Dr Renee Teal, Dr Ashleigh Thornton, Prof Andrew WhitehouseWhat is Impact for DCD?Impact for DCD is the largest survey conducted to identify the challenges experienced by children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and their families. This national survey (based on N=443 children 4-18 years) examined challenges relating to obtaining a diagnosis, impact of the disorder on activity and participation, difficulties encountered in the school environment, access to therapy, and the social and emotional impacts on the child and their family.What did the Impact for DCD report tell us?There is no consistent terminology or standardised practice for the diagnosis of DCD in Australia. Many children are not receiving a diagnosis until two to four years after seeking help.More than half of families (58%) do not have access to funding to support the cost of therapy and many reported (53%) that accessing therapy caused financial strain.Parents reported that teacher knowledge and awareness of DCD is the greatest challenge at school. Many parents felt their child’s learning needs were not being met. One in four parents reported that their child did not enjoy going to school and 62% of children had difficulty making friends.Almost all parents (92%) were concerned about the impact their child’s movement difficulties were having on their social and emotional health. Two thirds of children scored in the clinically concerning ranges for emotional symptoms and peer problems. Many parents (74%) reported experiencing frequent emotional worry about their child’s movement difficulties and 78% of parents were concerned about their child’s future.Based on the findings of the Impact for DCD survey and the priority areas identified by families completing the survey, we have provided a list of key recommendations which were developed in collaboration with family and professional reference groups.