DCD Research Project_Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development and Feasibility of a Learning Programme for Children with Motor Skills Difficulties
IRAS ID
305931
Contact name
SINEAD RHODES
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 7 days
Research summary
Almost 5% of children experience significant difficulties in fine (e.g. handwriting) and or/gross (e.g. riding a bicycle) motor difficulties knowns as Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) or Dyspraxia. These children also often show academic learning difficulties. Maths and literacy are often affected and difficulties can be life-long. Being a successful learner requires many cognitive processes, including memory and attention. Research has shown that children with motor difficulties have difficulties in these thinking processes. We have developed an intervention (Edinburgh Psychoeducation Intervention for Children and Young People, EPIC’) to facilitate thinking processes, academic learning and wellbeing in children with a related disorder called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Given the overlap of symptoms we propose to pilot this intervention with 3 children aged between 6 and 12 years referred to Community Child Health for motor skills assessment or already diagnosed with DCD. Children will complete maths, reading and spelling, and 'game-like' memory and attention tasks on an iPad before and after the 8 week intervention. Their parents will complete questionnaires regarding disorder symptoms (e.g. DCD, autism or ADHD). Teachers will complete a brief interview and questionnaires pre and post intervention The 8 week intervention involves 16 sessions – 8 with the child and 8 split between the child’s teacher and a parent. Sessions are conducted face-to-face at home or school, or in online calls. Sessions are conducted by a CAMHS psychiatrist within a research project capacity or the grant funded psychologist researcher. Sessions initially involve psychoeducation – working with the child, teacher and parent to understand the individual strengths and difficulties of the child. Remaining sessions involve game like activities with the child focused on improving memory, attention and well-being. The strategy book we have developed and details these activities is enclosed with the application.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/NW/0362
Date of REC Opinion
13 Jan 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion