Sensory processing difficulties in children with DCD (1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A retrospective review to identify the reported incidence of sensory processing difficulties in children with developmental co-ordination disorder.
IRAS ID
123224
Contact name
Jacqueline Casey
Contact email
Research summary
Background: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects approximately 1.8% of the population. There is significant association between DCD and other Developmental Disorders (e.g.Autistic Spectrum Disorder or Attention Deficit Disorder). Some children with DCD and many children with other developmental disorders demonstrate difficulties in sensory processing. Levels of sensory processing difficulties in children with DCD have not been identified. Sensory processing difficulties are linked to challenges in everyday tasks such as washing, dressing, feeding, eating, sleeping or school skills.Sensory processing difficulties in children have also been linked with high stress levels in their mothers. Occupational Therapists help children and their families to minimize disability and maximize independence in everyday living skills. \nAim: To identify the incidence of sensory processing difficulties in children identified with Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD).\nMethod: A review of past case notes will record difficulties with daily living skills, motor skills and sensory processing difficulties. Motor skills to aid identification of DCD, will be measured using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-2) (Henderson and Sugden 2007). Sensory processing difficulties will be assessed with the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) (Parham and Ecker 2007). Data analysis using descriptive statistics and, if normality is demonstrated parametric tools will be undertaken to identify any relationship between the factors.\nImplications: The results of this study will help to guide future research and planning of clinical services. If a relationship is found between DCD and sensory processing the next step will be to consider if one causes the other or are they 2 different issues. The long term aim would be to identify if addressing sensory processing leads to a better quality of life for children and their families in this client group.
REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/WM/0252
Date of REC Opinion
18 Jun 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion