Psychometric properties of the Belgian LDCDQ (LDCDQ-BE) in a population based sample

Abstract

BackgroundDevelopmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder usually diagnosed at school-age. It is related to secondary consequences urging early identification. The Little Developmental Coordination Questionnaire (LDCDQ) is a tool to identify young children at risk of a later DCD diagnosis. AimsTo explore psychometric properties and cut-off scores for the Belgian version the LDCDQ (LDCDQ-BE). Methods and proceduresQuestionnaires were completed by parents (n = 637) and teachers (n = 249) of children aged 3–5 years in regular schools. Additionally, motor development of 82 children was assessed with the M-ABC-2, Beery-VMI-6 and teacher’s Motor Skill Checklist (MSC). Outcomes and resultsThe LDCDQ-BE demonstrates excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.92), moderate convergent validity with M-ABC-2 (r = 0.42), and weak to moderate concurrent validity to Beery-VMI-6 (r = 0.30–0.31) and teacher’s rating on MSC (r = 0.27). Discriminant validity with M-ABC-2 and Beery-VMI-6 subtest Visual-Motor Integration is poor, but moderate with Beery-VMI-6 subtest Motor Coordination (p = 0.023) and MSC (p = 0.021). A fair agreement was established between parent’s and teacher’s rating (=0.308; p < 0.001). Conclusions and implicationsSensitivity of the LDCDQ-BE is low to moderate. It should be interpreted cautiously as predictive validity in children with DCD has yet to be established.