“The system is a bit broken…” a qualitative exploration of barriers in the pathway for diagnosing Developmental Coordination Disorder/ Specific Developmental Disorder of Motor Function

• DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/538px_v1
• Publication Date: 2025-03-26T15:36:36Z
• Authors: Lucy H Eddy; Nat K. Merrick; Cara E Staniforth; Jade Judes; Liam Hill; Mark Mon-Williams; Farid Bardid; R E Murray
• Keywords: Bit (key)

Background: Approximately 5% of children are affected by a neurodevelopmental disorder their sensorimotor skills. DSM-V and ICD-10, the two most widely used diagnostic systems, define this diagnostically as ‘Developmental Coordination Disorder’ (DCD) or ‘Specific Developmental Disorder Motor Function’ (SDDMF), respectively. A diagnosis DCD/SDDMF has been found to have detrimental impact on range outcomes (e.g., health education). It is therefore crucial that these receive timely intervention. This reliant, however, effective assessment support pathways. Research shown there great parental dissatisfaction, but limited research exploring clinical education perspective. study aimed understand barriers facilitators for practitioners in pathway diverse district UK (Bradford). Methods: Semi-structured interviews were completed with stakeholders across identify assessing, diagnosing, supporting skill difficulties. Theoretical thematic analysis aligned COM-B model analyse qualitative data. Results: Interviews revealed many DCD related capability (confusing terminology, inconsistent knowledge, inappropriate referrals), opportunity (resource constraints, being considered low priority, disconnected services), motivation (overlapping job roles, desire consider those difficulties not eligible diagnosis). Conclusion: Families face multiple obtaining child through existing pathways support. These findings unlikely be unique Bradford appear reflect national international service challenges. There an urgent need for: (i) clear communication different services (with consistency terminology), (ii) more collaborative integrated approach assessment, diagnosis, order help thrive.