Study published: Motor difficulties in adulthood following developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in childhood

A 25-year follow-up

The study is based on data from a Swedish population-based cohort of children who underwent a developmental assessment at 6.5 years of age. In total, 105 adults took part in a follow-up approximately 25 years later, completing a web-based questionnaire on motor difficulties in adulthood.
The results show that individuals who met the criteria for DCD in childhood reported more motor difficulties as adults compared with those without DCD. The differences were particularly pronounced in gross motor function.

Differences between women and men

The study also shows that motor difficulties and their everyday consequences may manifest differently depending on sex. Women with childhood DCD reported more pronounced difficulties in gross motor function and participation in everyday activities, while men more often reported non-motor difficulties compared with same-sex peers.
Overall, the findings suggest that DCD can have lasting, though often less pronounced, effects into adulthood and highlight the importance of early identification, intervention, and increased awareness that difficulties may persist across the lifespan.

– The results show that motor difficulties associated with DCD often persist into adulthood, even if they are sometimes more subtle. This highlights the need for long-term, individualised support that considers everyday functioning, participation, and different needs of women and men, says Kine Johansen, researcher and co-author of the study.

Miro Anter