Distinct mental health profiles in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: A latent class analysis and associations

Depressive Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations in Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: A Parent-Child Perspective Study

Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) often exhibit mental health problems, including depressive symptoms. This study investigated self-reported depressive symptoms in children and adolescents with and without CP and associated factors. Herein, 52 and 38 children and adolescents with and without CP were enrolled in the CP and typically developing (TD) groups. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Birleson Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children. Parents of the participants completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Self-reported depressive symptoms were more severe in the CP group than in the TD group, which was primarily attributed to declining activities and enjoyment in daily life. Depressive symptoms in the CP group were not correlated with age, the severity of CP, or parent-reported behavioral features. However, in the overall cohort, the cluster with high levels of depressive symptoms had significantly higher proportions of individuals with CP and participants with conduct, emotional, and peer problems. Multivariate analyses revealed that only peer problems were associated with increased depressive symptoms. Furthermore, peer problems fully mediated the relationship between the presence of CP and depressive symptoms. Our study suggests that providing opportunities for activities involving social interactions with peers and offering support to enable the enjoyment of such activities from an early age are imperative to prevent an increase in depressive symptoms in children with CP.

Developmental coordination disorder subtypes also vary in the pattern of behavioral and emotional problems

Background

Behavioral and emotional problems in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) are well documented. However, the heterogeneity of this group has been largely overlooked. Addressing this gap is important to develop individually-tailored interventions.

Aims

Our three aims were to assess: (i) behavioral and emotional problems in children with DCD; (ii) behavioral and emotional problems in subtypes of DCD, and (iii) the context-specificity of these problems (home/school).

Methods and procedure

Data were extracted from the medical records of a large sample of 93 children with DCD (79 boys, mean age 8.3) referred to a rehabilitation center. Behavioral and emotional problems were assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Teacher Report Form (TRF).

Outcomes and results

Two-third of the children presented with behavioral and emotional problems according to both parents and teachers. The subtypes with generalized motor problems were most affected, while the subtype with gross-motor problems was least affected. Children presented with more problems at home than at school.

Conclusion and implications

Given the frequent occurrence of behavioral and emotional problems, clinicians should tailor their interventions to these problems in DCD. Knowledge of subtypes can inform these decisions.

Effects of a highly intensive balance therapy camp in children with developmental coordination disorder - An intervention protocol

BACKGROUND

Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) often (<87 %) experience postural control problems, impacting all levels of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) including their daily participation, self-esteem and mental health. Due to the multisystemic nature of postural control, comprehensive therapy should target all systems which is currently not the case. Highly intensive therapy is effective and commonly used in pediatric populations, but has not been explored yet to train postural control in children with DCD.

AIMS

To investigate the effects of a highly intensive functional balance therapy camp at all ICF levels in children with DCD.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

The effects on postural control, muscle activity, brain alterations, self-perceived competence, self-identified goals, gross motor activities and participation are evaluated. Participants are assessed pre- and post-intervention, including a 3 months follow-up. Forty-eight children with DCD, aged 6-12 years old, receive 40 h of comprehensive balance training. This intervention is fun, individually tailored, targets all postural control systems, implements different motor learning strategies and includes both individual and group activities.

CONCLUSION

Novel insights into the effects of a highly intensive comprehensive balance therapy camp designed for children with DCD will be gained at all levels of the ICF.