Developmental Coordination Disorder: the impact on the family

Purpose: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with an estimated prevalence of 2-6 % in school-aged children. Children with DCD score lower in multiple quality-of-life (QOL) domains. However, the effect of a child’s DCD on their parents’ and family’s QOL has not previously been assessed in a UK population. We aimed to assess parental and family QOL within UK families containing at least one child aged 6-18 years who was diagnosed with DCD.

Methods: A mixed-methods study was designed, using an online questionnaire that incorporated the Family QOL Scale and the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey.

Results: The emotional and disability support domains of family QOL were markedly negatively affected by DCD, with lack of support by medical and educational professionals cited as a major source of stress. Parental mental health was also negatively affected. In many cases, the child’s DCD impacted on parental work-life, family social life and siblings’ wellbeing.

Conclusions: Having a child with DCD has a considerable impact on families. This needs to be recognised by healthcare and other professionals; otherwise, services and support may not be appropriately targeted and the negative sequelae of DCD may ripple beyond the individual with costly social and economic consequences.