Motor Coordination Difficulties Research Articles

The relationship between executive function and the association of motor coordination difficulties and social communication deficits in autistic children.

Motor coordination difficulties could contribute to social communication deficits in autistic children. However, the exploration of the mechanism implicated in these claims has been limited by the lack of potential confounders such as executive function (EF). We investigated the role that EF plays in the relationship between motor coordination and social communication in a school-aged autistic population via a structural model in a statistically robust manner. The results of questionnaires, including the Developmental Coordination Disorder questionnaire, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, and the Social Responsiveness Scale, were collected to measure motor coordination, social communication deficits, and EF. A total of 182 autistic children (7.61±1.31 years, 87.9% boys) were included in the final analysis. In the model with EF as a mediator, the total effect (β=-0.599, P<0.001) and the direct effect (β=-0.331, P =0.003) of motor coordination function on social communication were both significant among autistic children without intellectual disability (ID), as were indirect effects through EF (β=-0.268, P<0.001). EF partially mediates the motor coordination and social communication correlation among autistic children. We suggest that motor coordination should be included in the routine evaluation of autistic surveillance and rehabilitation procedures.

Effect of Yoga Intervention on Problem Behavior and Motor Coordination in Children with Autism.

Children with autism exhibit more pronounced symptoms of both problem behaviors and motor coordination difficulties. Yoga, recognized as an effective intervention modality, can be valuable after assessing its efficacy in addressing problem behaviors and motor coordination challenges, ultimately contributing to symptom alleviation in autism. The randomized controlled trial (RCT) was used to divide 17 children with autism into an intervention group (n = 9) and a control group (n = 8). The intervention group participated in an 8-week yoga intervention training (three sessions/week, 45-50 min/session), and the control group did not participate in yoga training but only in daily program activities. Pre-test, mid-test, post-test, and after delayed test, teachers assessed the effect of yoga intervention on problem behaviors of children with autism through the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) and the effect of yoga intervention on motor coordination through the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition (MABC2). Results show that the yoga intervention is effective in reducing problem behaviors and improving motor coordination in children with autism. Yoga intervention significantly reduces irritability and social withdrawal in children with autism. Yoga intervention had the most significant improvement in ball skills and static and dynamic balance.

נופלים בין הכיסאות: תת-אבחון של DCD ביַלְדוּת והשלכותיו בקרב מבוגרים צעירים עם קשיים בקואורדינציה מוטורית

Background: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is prevalent among 6-8% of school-age children, and is defined by major motor-coordination difficulties that significantly and persistently hinder participation in daily activities and quality of life. Evidence suggests that early detection and intervention may improve children with DCDs' daily function and reduce their emotional difficulties. Clinical reports points to possible under diagnosis of DCD. However, the extent of this phenomenon is unknown. The aim of this study was to describe retrospectively the prevalence of receiving DCD diagnosis in a convenience sample of young adults with motor difficulties, as well as to explore their perspectives on receiving a diagnosis. Methods: This mix methods study, included 54 young adults (aged 21-35 years) who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition criteria for DCD were recruited for this study: Percentile &lt; 5 on standardized motor assessment, the Movement Assessment Battery for Children 2nd Edition, report of current and childhood functional-motor difficulties on the Adolescents and Adults Coordination Questionnaire and lack of other neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy. Participants with health conditions other than DCD were excluded. Participants reported on the existence of childhood DCD/Dyspraxia diagnoses and on developmental supports they were received during their childhood. Ten participants were interviewed regarding their perspective on receiving a formal diagnosis. Results: Only three (5.56%) participants were diagnosed with DCD during their childhood. However, 39 (72.22%) received at list one kind of professional support: 22 (40.74%) occupational therapy, 10 (22.73%) physiotherapy, 15 (27.78%) speech therapy, 18 (33.33%) psychotherapy and 10 (22.73%) other complementary treatments. Interviews analysis revealed: (1) childhood included confusion and "otherness", in the absence of an explanation for motor challenges; (2) environmental lack of legitimacy and unawareness of DCD during childhood; and (3) validation and enhanced sense of coherence following a diagnosis. Conclusion: Although identified with difficulties and referred for professional support, adults with DCD were under diagnosed in childhood. As diagnosis can validate 'otherness' experience, under diagnosis can exacerbate stress associated with motor-functional difficulty. To prevent the consequences of future motor difficulties, DCD should be diagnosed in childhood, according to international recommendations.

Deep intronic variant causes aberrant splicing of ATP7A in a family with a variable occipital horn syndrome phenotype

Genetic variants in ATP7A are associated with a spectrum of X-linked disorders. In descending order of severity, these are Menkes disease, occipital horn syndrome, and X-linked distal spinal muscular atrophy. After 30 years of diagnostic investigation, we identified a deep intronic ATP7A variant in four males from a family affected to variable degrees by a predominantly skeletal phenotype, featuring bowing of long bones, elbow joints with restricted mobility which dislocate frequently, coarse curly hair, chronic diarrhoea, and motor coordination difficulties. Analysis of whole genome sequencing data from the Genomics England 100,000 Genomes Project following clinical re-evaluation identified a deep intronic ATP7A variant, which was predicted by SpliceAI to have a modest splicing effect. Using a mini-gene splicing assay, we determined that the intronic variant results in aberrant splicing. Sanger sequencing of patient cDNA revealed ATP7A transcripts with exon 5 skipping, or inclusion of a novel intron 4 pseudoexon. In both instances, frameshift leading to premature termination are predicted. Quantification of ATP7A mRNA transcripts using a qPCR assay indicated that the majority of transcripts (86.1 %) have non-canonical splicing, with 68.0 % featuring exon 5 skipping, and 18.1 % featuring the novel pseudoexon. We suggest that the variability of the phenotypes within the affected males results from the stochastic effects of splicing. This deep intronic variant, resulting in aberrant ATP7A splicing, expands the understanding of intronic variation on the ATP7A-related disease spectrum.

Visual and kinesthetic motor imagery in adults with different degrees of self-reported motor coordination difficulties

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) involves difficulties in performing coordinated movements with fine and/or gross motor skills deficits. Several studies showed that DCD is characterized by motor imagery deficits as well. Here we investigated in neurotypical adults (N = 334) the relationships between the ease of imaging two main motor imagery components, that is the visual and the kinesthetic one, self-reported motor coordination difficulties and handwriting speed. Self-reported motor difficulties were measured by the Adult Developmental Co-ordination Disorders/Dyspraxia Checklist (ADC) and scores were used to distinguish three groups: participants at risk of DCD (with both relevant childhood and current motor coordination difficulties); with motor coordination difficulties (relevant current but not childhood difficulties); without motor coordination difficulties (neither current nor childhood difficulties). The main results showed more kinesthetic and visual imagery difficulties in participants at risk of DCD than in those both with and without motor coordination difficulties. Interestingly, the relationships between the two imagery components and motor difficulties were different in the three groups, depending on: 1) the developmental phase (childhood or adulthood) to which motor coordination difficulties referred, and 2) the point of view (self or other), from which images were judged. Instead, no relationship was found between imagery abilities and handwriting speed. Thus, a nuanced pattern of the ease of imaging motor imagery emerged in adults with different degrees of self-reported motor coordination difficulties. These findings could be relevant for the assessment of people candidate to undergo a motor imagery training.

From "one big clumsy mess" to "a fundamental part of my character." Autistic adults' experiences of motor coordination.

Altered motor coordination is common in autistic individuals affecting a range of movements such as manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination, balance and gait. However, motor coordination is not routinely assessed leading to undiagnosed and untreated motor coordination difficulties, particularly in adults. Few studies have investigated motor coordination difficulties and their impact from the viewpoint of autistic people. Therefore, the current study used FGs and thematic analysis to document the experience of motor coordination difficulties from the viewpoint of 17 autistic adults. Four main themes were identified. First, motor coordination difficulties were pervasive and variable, being present life-long and within multiple movements and affecting many aspects of life. Furthermore, the nature of the difficulties was variable within and between participants along with differing awareness of coordination ability. Second, participants described motor coordination as an active process, requiring concentration for most actions and at a level seemingly greater than other people. Third, motor coordination difficulties impacted upon social and emotional wellbeing by placing strain on relationships, prompting bullying and exclusion, putting safety at risk and causing a range of negative emotions. Fourth, in the absence of any support, participants described multiple learning and coping strategies. Findings highlight how it is essential to address the current lack of support for motor coordination considering the significant social and emotional consequences described by our participants. Further investigation of motor learning and interactions between sensory and motor performance in autistic adults is also warranted.

Human Cerebellar Expression of Autism Associated Genes (P13-9.011)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To examine human cerebellar transcriptome of autism associated genes for insights into shared biological processes. <h3>Background:</h3> Cerebellum dysfunction is known to be involved in autism pathophysiology. Autism relevant single-gene assays like for TSC1 have shown a high expression of the gene in the cerebellum. Here we asked if this finding extends to 205 autism associated genes and if high or low expression in the cerebellum was statistically associated with specific subregions and biochemical processes. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> We examined human brain RNA microarray data made available by Allen Brain Atlas. Data from 169 brain regions including the cerebellum, from 6 human subjects was downloaded for each of 205 autism linked genes in the SFARI database (Category 1 - high confidence genes). Gene set enrichment analysis was done using EnrichR. <h3>Results:</h3> TSC1 expression was significantly high for lobules and Crus I and Crus II but not for deep cerebellar nuclei. For 205 autism-associated genes there was a spectrum of expression, without clustering of genes towards high or low expression. The top one-third of high-expressing genes were associated with processes within the nucleus (adjusted-p&lt;0.0001), and with histone methylase/demethylase (adjusted-p &lt;0.00001). In contrast, the lowest one-third expressing genes were associated with processes linked to glutamatergic synapses (adjusted-p&lt;0.01), and voltage-gated cation channels (adjusted-p&lt;0.001). A deficit of the top one-third expressing genes was associated uniquely with grooming behaviour in animal models (adjusted-p&lt;0.0001) whereas the bottom one-third were associated with motor coordination difficulties in animals models with gene deficits (adjusted-p&lt;0.0001). <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Some, but not all autism linked genes had high expression in the cerebellum, but not in deep cerebellar nuclei. High expressing genes were associated with roles in the nucleus, specifically with histone methylation/demethylation processes indicating their role in regulating DNA expression and plasticity. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Balasubramaniam has nothing to disclose. The institution of Dr. Tsai has received research support from once upon a time foundation. Dr. Jakkamsetti has nothing to disclose.

Efficacy of a Task-Oriented Intervention for Children with a Dual Diagnosis of Specific Learning Disabilities and Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Pilot Study.

Task-oriented approaches are recommended for children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) to address deficits in motor performance and reduce activity limitations. Although this approach is used in several settings, the efficacy of these approaches in children with in dual-diagnosis of specific learning disabilities (SLD) and DCD is less widely known. This study aims to determine the effect of a group-based intervention based on neuromotor task training (NTT) principles on the motor performance of children aged 6-10 years with SLD/DCD. A pre-post-test controlled study design was conducted in children with a primary diagnosis of specific learning disabilities (SLD). DCD status was confirmed based on clinical assessment. Children scoring ≤16th percentile on the Motor Assessment Battery for Children 2nd Edition (MABC-2), who also presented with a functional motor problem, according to the MABC checklist were considered as having DCD. Children were allocated to the NTT intervention group based on teachers' perceived notion of need and received two 45-60 min training sessions per week for nine weeks. Children allocated to the usual care (UC) group, received their planned occupational therapy and physical education. The MABC-2 was used to assess changes in motor performance. Our numbers confirm that it is crucial to identify the presence of motor coordination difficulties in children who have been diagnosed with SLD. A task-oriented training program based on NTT principles, presented in small groups, has a positive effect on the motor performance in learners with neurodevelopmental disorders and this effect was larger than in the usual care group. Although using a small group format in children with multiple neurodevelopmental disorders may be challenging for the therapists, it may be a way of delivering services to children in schools for special education. Children with DCD plus LSD show improvement in their motor skills by performing group-based NTT in the school environment. Group-based NTT shows a significant improvement in the TSS score of the MABC-2 compared to usual care. Children with DCD plus SLD show equal effect sizes after NTT intervention as DCD without SLD.

The Relationships between Self-Reported Motor Functioning and Autistic Traits: The Italian Version of the Adult Developmental Coordination Disorders/Dyspraxia Checklist (ADC).

We developed the Italian version of the adult developmental co-ordination disorders/dyspraxia checklist (ADC), providing reliability and concurrent validity data for the scale (Aim 1). In addition, we investigated the relationships between motor coordination difficulties and different autistic traits (Aim 2). 498 participants (341 females; age range = 18-34) underwent the Italian version of the ADC, as well as a handwriting speed test, the autism spectrum quotient, the empathy quotient, and the systemizing quotient. The distinction between three main factors (A, B, and C) identified in the original version of the ADC was confirmed here. Internal consistency of the ADC subscales was adequate, as well as the correlation with the handwriting speed test used to assess concurrent validity. No substantial sex differences on the ADC scores were found. Furthermore, data revealed that poor autistic-related communication skills and lower levels of systemizing tendencies were, among all the investigated autistic traits, those more strongly associated with higher motor coordination difficulties. The Italian ADC seems a valuable tool for assessing motor coordination difficulties in adults and can reveal the nuanced impact exerted by different autistic traits on self-reported motor functioning.

Visual Contribution to Motor Skill DCD Disorders &amp; Walking Physiology Using Spatial Cognition and Linear Geometries as Landmark Coordination Cues

Problem: Awareness of children, who experience movement, particularly motor coordination difficulties, has increased dramatically over the last ten years. These motor coordination problems of children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) or/and Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have been frequently associated with poor visual and spatial eye-vision processing.&#x0D; Background: Motor control difficulties for DCD and ADHD children have been discussed in detail. However, just a little is known about the influence of the natural environment on these disorders. Even more, the built environment’s impact as a spatial cognition and coordination functionality has never been considered.&#x0D; Aim: This pilot and innovative study aim to identify the correlation between and evaluate the visual contribution of the so-called “spatial compound linear geometries” and DCD children’s motor/walking control.&#x0D; Methodology: Twenty children aged 5 to 8 years with DCD difficulties (two intervention groups, one with 10 boys and the other one with 10 girls) were assessed by a statistical structural evaluation in three built environments (two urban parks and one pocket park), under two conditions (rich or not in trees, flora, and PnP linear geometries), and different motor coordination control situations (static balance, dynamic balances, dark condition).&#x0D; Results: The worst performances (regarding movement disorders and motor coordination problems) were observed for both groups with DCD children playing in parks poor in or without trees, flora, and spatial compound linear geometries. Instead, a significant performance (strong statistical correlation) was found for the same intervention group (DCD children’s boys or girls) playing in parks rich in trees, flora, and vegetation (natural environment). The best performance (very strong statistical correlation) was detected in parks rich in a natural environment and linear geometries. &#x0D; Conclusions: While the natural environment contribution is bibliographically known, the best performance finding of the visual contribution of the spatial compound linear geometries, as spatial landmarks enriching the visual-spatial motor/walking functionalities for Children with DCD disorder, could provide new cognitive approaches towards an understanding of children’s Developmental Coordination Disorder and walking physiology. DCD children’s performance, scores, and cues were related to both the natural environment and the spatial compound linear geometries as spatial landmark motor coordination cues and spatio-temporal clues. The significant variability in sensory processing among children with DCD, ADHD, and co-occurring symptoms can contribute to understanding how neurological and social factors correlate across diagnoses. Also, derived observations for stepping errors, Gait analysis (variables), and spatio-temporal clues conclude that visual eye-based processing interrelates with motor coordination problems, performance, inattention, environmental conditions (dark), sex identity (boys, girls), and DCD hyperactivity. &#x0D; Applications: Development of interactive visual applications for (i) human spatial cognition and movement improvement; and (ii) children’s motor control and coordination refinement.

Trajectories of emotional and behavioral problems in school-age children with coordination difficulties and their relationships to ASD/ADHD traits

BackgroundAlthough research has demonstrated associations between motor coordination difficulties and psychological problems in school-age children, including emotional and behavioral problems, longitudinal changes in these problems in children with motor coordination difficulties are not fully understood. AimsThe current study aimed to identify patterns in the trajectory of emotional and behavioral problems in school-age children with motor coordination difficulties, and to elucidate the effect of co-existing neurodevelopmental traits on the occurrence and course of these problems. Methods and proceduresUsing the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire, 773 children were defined as cases with motor coordination difficulties and followed for 4 years, from 6 to 10 years of age. Emotional and behavioral problems were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire completed by children’s parents or guardians. Outcomes and resultsWe identified four trajectory patterns of emotional and behavioral problems. Children with higher autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder traits were more likely to be assigned to poor prognostic trajectory patterns. Conclusions and implicationsOur findings emphasize the importance of assessing emotional and behavioral problems and co-existing neurodevelopmental traits in children with motor coordination difficulties in early elementary school.

A-163 Neuropsychological Profile of Early Onset ADEM and AMSAN

Abstract Objective: We present the neuropsychological profile of a 9-year-old girl with a history of waxing and waning ataxia, initially diagnosed at 18 months of age, with Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM), later thought to be axonal motor sensory neuropathy (AMSAN). ADEM is a rapid onset neuroinflammatory disease typically seen in children ages 3-10 following infection, which results in demyelinating lesions. AMSAN is a rare variant of Guillain-Barre´ syndrome causing muscle/sensation difficulty. Common long-term cognitive correlates of ADEM include attention, processing speed and internalizing problems in the context of average overall cognition. Method: Comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation referral by neurology to assist with continued workup given atypical history and unclear academic difficulties. Initial symptom workup revealed signal changes in spinal cord and demyelinating lesions in the left frontal lobe and upper cervical spine. She was treated with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), but symptoms returned several months later and then again. Subsequent improvements with therapy for ataxia, speech and feeding difficulties. Results: Overall cognitive functioning in the low average range with notable and extensive attentional limitations requiring continual prompting. Evaluation also revealed below grade and age level performance in all academic areas, significant oromotor and gross motor coordination difficulties, and mild self-esteem issues in this child who presented much younger than her chronological age. Conclusions: This case demonstrates the importance of neuropsychological evaluation in pediatric paraneoplastic motor/sensory motor syndromes. While underlying cause of demyelination and ataxia in this case remains unclear, cognitive findings revealed significant areas that require intervention which could have been identified and supported earlier in her development.

THE INFLUENCE OF THE INDIVIDUAL EDUCATIONAL-REHABILITATION PROGRAM ON THE MOTOR COORDINATION OF STUDENTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT

The motor development of the child, especially motor coordination, is important for performing purposeful activities. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of individual educational and rehabilitation treatment on motor coordination in students with visual impairment. The sample included one student, male, aged 9 years, with a diagnosis of nystagmus, amblyopia and astigmatism. The initial and final assessment was done with the student, and the Beery-Buktenica developmental test of visual-motor integration (VMI) fifth edition was used for the same, which is intended for the assessment of visual-motor integration, visual perception and motor coordination. For the purposes of this research, the subtest Motor Coordination was used, which consists of 30 tasks. After the initial assessment, an individual educational-rehabilitation treatment lasting 2 months was conducted. Survey data was processed by frequency analysis. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that there has been an improvement in students in the field of motor coordination. The results of the research indicated the importance of recognizing students with motor coordination difficulties as early as possible, as well as the importance of conducting educational and rehabilitation treatment, with a positive effect on motor coordination. Keywords: visual impairment, motor coordination, educational-rehabilitation program.

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD): Relevance for Clinical Psychologists in Europe.

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder primarily characterized by fine and gross motor coordination difficulties. Yet, many aspects remain unclear regarding the clinical presentation of secondary symptoms and their implications for Clinical Psychology. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to provide an update about the current understanding of DCD for clinical psychologists and psychotherapists across Europe, particularly based on new insights stemming from the last decade of research. We provide a narrative review of articles published in the last decade on the topic of DCD, and relevant aspects to clinical psychologist, including lesser known aspects of DCD (e.g., executive functions, psychological consequences, and adult DCD). DCD is a highly prevalent, disruptive, and complex disorder, which should be investigated further in many areas (e.g., co-occurrence to ADHD). Existing evidence points toward a key role of executive functioning difficulties at all ages. Most patients report secondary psychological problems, but little headway has been made in examining the effectiveness of psychotherapy for DCD. Insights and remaining research gaps are discussed. It is critical for psychologists and clinical researchers to raise awareness for DCD, take note of the growing literature, and foster continued interdisciplinary approaches to research and treatment of DCD.

Effect of Motor Imagery Training on Motor Learning in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: There is an urgent need to systematically analyze the growing body of literature on the effect of motor imagery (MI) training in children and adolescents. Methods: Seven databases and clinicaltrials.gov were searched. Two reviewers independently screened references and full texts, and extracted data (studies’ methodology, MI elements, temporal parameters). Two studies were meta-analyzed providing the standard mean difference (SDM). Selected studies were evaluated with the risk of bias (RoB) and GRADE tools. Results: A total of 7238 references were retrieved. The sample size of the 22 included studies, published between 1995 and 2021, ranged from 18 to 136 participants, totaling 934 (nine to 18 years). Studies included healthy pupils, mentally retarded adolescents, children with motor coordination difficulties or with mild mental disabilities. The motor learning tasks focused on upper, lower and whole body movements. SMDs for the primary outcome of pooled studies varied between 0.83 to 1.87 (95% CI, I2, T2 varied 0.33–3.10; p = 0.001; 0–74%; 0–0.59). RoB varied between some concerns and high risk. GRADE rating was low. Conclusions: MI combined with physical practice (PP) might have a high potential for healthy and impaired children and adolescents. However, important reporting recommendations (PETTLEP, TIDieR, CONSORT) should be followed. The systematic review was registered with PROSPERO: CRD42021237361.

Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP): 1-week Group Intervention with Children Referred for Motor Coordination Difficulties

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of a Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) intervention delivered in a group format in a 1-week summer day camp program for children referred for motor coordination difficulties. Transfer of learned skills to self-selected tasks not addressed in the group intervention was also explored.

Genome-Wide Association Study of Motor Coordination.

The ability to finely control our movement is key to achieving many of the educational milestones and life-skills we develop throughout our lives. Despite the centrality of coordination to early development, there is a vast gap in our understanding of the underlying biology. Like most complex traits, both genetics and environment influence motor coordination, however, the specific genes, early environmental risk factors and molecular pathways are unknown. Previous studies have shown that about 5% of school-age children experience unexplained difficulties with motor coordination. These children are said to have Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). For children with DCD, these motor coordination difficulties significantly impact their everyday life and learning. DCD is associated with poorer academic achievement, reduced quality of life, it can constrain career opportunities and increase the risk of mental health issues in adulthood. Despite the high prevalence of coordination difficulties, many children remain undiagnosed by healthcare professionals. Compounding under-diagnosis in the clinic, research into the etiology of DCD is severely underrepresented in the literature. Here we present the first genome-wide association study to examine the genetic basis of early motor coordination in the context of motor difficulties. Using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children we generate a derived measure of motor coordination from four components of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, providing an overall measure of coordination across the full range of ability. We perform the first genome-wide association analysis focused on motor coordination (N = 4542). No single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) met the threshold for genome-wide significance, however, 59 SNPs showed suggestive associations. Three regions contained multiple suggestively associated SNPs, within five preliminary candidate genes: IQSEC1, LRCC1, SYNJ2B2, ADAM20, and ADAM21. Association to the gene IQSEC1 suggests a potential link to axon guidance and dendritic projection processes as a potential underlying mechanism of motor coordination difficulties. This represents an interesting potential mechanism, and whilst further validation is essential, it generates a direct window into the biology of motor coordination difficulties. This research has identified potential biological drivers of DCD, a first step towards understanding this common, yet neglected neurodevelopmental disorder.

Emotional and behavioral problems in Japanese preschool children with motor coordination difficulties: the role of autistic traits.

There has been little research on whether younger children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) symptoms have an increased risk for emotional and behavioral problems. This study examined whether coordination difficulties are associated with emotional and behavioral problems (emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, peer problems, reduced prosocial behavior) in preschool children and the role of autistic traits in this association. Data (N = 1042, age 58-71months) were analyzed from the Tama Children's Survey (TCS). The Little Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (LDCDQ) was used to measure coordination difficulty symptoms. Information was obtained on emotional/behavioral problems using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and on autistic traits with the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). Higher autistic traits were based on SRS cutoff scores (53.5 for boys and 52.5 for girls). Logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations between the variables. In adjusted models, children with probable DCD (pDCD) were significantly more likely to score above the clinical thresholds on all SDQ emotional/behavioral domains. However, nearly all of these associations became nonsignificant after including autistic traits in the analysis. Additional analyses showed that children with pDCD with higher autistic traits had significantly increased odds for emotional problems (odds ratio [OR]: 4.47, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.52-13.19), hyperactivity/inattention (OR: 3.74, 95% CI: 1.45-9.64), peer problems (OR: 15.81, 95% CI: 5.96-41.99), and total difficulties (OR: 28.78, 95% CI: 7.23-114.57), compared to children with pDCD alone. These results indicate that the increased risk of emotional/behavioral difficulties in preschool children with pDCD might be mediated by autistic traits.

The experiences of foundation doctors with dyspraxia: a phenomenological study

Dyspraxia, otherwise known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a specific learning difficulty (SpLD). Its main difficulties manifest as problems with motor coordination, organisation, academic and social difficulties. There are now more students arriving at university with SpLDs, and, therefore, a similar rise may be expected within medical education. There has been no previous research focusing on dyspraxia in doctors. An interpretive phenomenological approach was used. Six UK foundation schools disseminated the announcements. Three participants took part in loosely structured telephone interviews regarding their experiences of undertaking medical school and foundation school with dyspraxia. These were transcribed verbatim and then thematically analysed. The themes could be split into two main categories: “Weakness and Coping Strategies” and “Perspectives of Dyspraxia”. “Weakness” included: clumsiness, organisation and needing extra time. The participants focused on their “Coping Strategies” that included: Ensuring safety, adapted learning preferences and external support. “Perspectives of Dyspraxia” included: diagnosis, career choice, stigma, “normalisation” and the “difference view” or “medical deficit” view of dyspraxia. Doctors with dyspraxia often mask their difficulties through sophisticated coping strategies. These were determined and hardworking individuals who believe that their dyspraxia was a positive aspect of their identity, adopting a “difference view”. They felt further education is needed about dyspraxia to change the perceived stigma. There is now a need for further research in this area.

The effectiveness of gross motor interventions in improving motor function in childhood apraxia of speech

ABSTRACT Children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) often present motor co-ordination difficulties accompanying their speech and sound delays. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a paired versus a small group gross motor intervention on selected pre-school children, pre-identified with CAS. Children pre-identified with CAS (N = 20) were assessed with the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC-2) and the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2) during the baseline-, pre- and post-tests. The participants were randomly divided into two groups and completed a 12-week gross motor intervention (two 45-minute sessions per week). There were significant improvements in the total motor proficiency of the MABC-2 as well as overall gross motor quotient (GMQ) of the TGMD-2 in both groups post-intervention. This study highlights the need for further research in gross motor interventions to improve the quality of movement of children, pre-identified with CAS.