An Investigation of Developmental Coordination Disorder Characteristics in Children With Childhood Apraxia of Speech.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

Children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) evidence a high rate of co-occurring fine and gross motor deficits. This clinical focus article reports a preliminary investigation of characteristics of developmental coordination disorder (DCD), a neurodevelopmental disorder categorized by poor motor proficiency and functional limitations, in this population.

METHOD:

Children with CAS underwent a comprehensive motor evaluation using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition, the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire, and a developmental history questionnaire to determine if they met criteria for a DCD diagnosis as specified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).

RESULTS:

Six out of seven participants met DCD criteria based on the DSM-5 criteria. Four of these children had a co-occurring diagnosis of developmental language disorder, and all met criteria for DCD.

CONCLUSIONS:

Consistent with previous research, the majority of participants demonstrated motor deficits and 85% met criteria for DCD. Despite this high rate of motor deficits, only 57% had previously undergone a physical/occupational therapy evaluation and intervention and only one had a previous diagnosis of DCD. These findings suggest that formal movement assessments are essential for children with a CAS diagnosis.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.20540193.

• Authors: Jenya Iuzzini-Seigel, Laura Moorer, Priscila Tamplain
• Journal: Language, speech, and hearing services in schools (Lang Speech Hear Serv Sch) Vol. 53 Issue 4 Pg. 1006-1021 (Oct 06 2022) ISSN: 1558-9129 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 36041512 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Apraxias (diagnosis)
• Child
• Humans
• Motor Skills Disorders (diagnosis, epidemiology)
• Speech
• Surveys and Questionnaires