The impact for DCD - USA study: The current state of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) in the United States of America.
Priscila Tamplain, Haylie L Miller, Derrick Peavy and 3 others
PMID 38176290WHAT IT FOUND
Most families in the USA have sought therapy for their child's coordination difficulties, but only about one in three were currently receiving it.
Parents reported significant challenges in obtaining diagnoses and accessing consistent support for school and daily activities.
Key findings
01Most parents had accessed therapy for their child's movement difficulties, but only one in three children were currently receiving therapy services.
02The majority of parents did not feel their child received sufficient therapy to support their movement difficulties.
03Most parents reported that their children did not enjoy participating in organized sport and physical activity, and did not engage in recommended daily physical activity levels.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The study used a convenience sample recruited via social media, which may not be nationally representative. Parents who responded were likely already aware of DCD, potentially skewing results compared to families who are unaware or disengaged. The survey relied entirely on parent perception and report, without independent verification of diagnoses or therapy outcomes. Data collection occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have artificially reduced current therapy access numbers. The study did not collect demographic data such as ethnicity, family income, or insurance status, limiting understanding of socioeconomic barriers.
Declared interests
The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington, with no mention of commercial funding.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the low current therapy access rate as a lack of demand or efficacy; the data shows high past access but poor continuity, possibly influenced by pandemic restrictions and insurance barriers.