Survey of Paediatric Occupational Therapists' Understanding of Developmental Coordination Disorder, Joint Hypermobility Syndrome and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Evidence suggests that developmental coordination disorder (DCD) co-occurs with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS). Paediatric occupational therapists working with children with DCD need to consider the impact of co-occurring conditions on the children they assess and treat. A survey investigating the knowledge base and understanding relating to these conditions was conducted. The results showed that therapists (n = 225, response rate 23%) have an understanding of DCD; however, a more detailed knowledge of ADHD and JHS would allow them to consider the impact of the overlapping nature of these conditions. This highlights a training need to ensure understanding of these conditions and appropriate management.