Supporting the social-emotional needs of children and young people with developmental coordination disorder: Occupational therapists’ perceptions of practice in England

Abstract

Introduction

The social-emotional impacts of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) for children and young people (CYP) are often the most disabling. Occupational therapists (OTs) have a central role in facilitating holistic service provision for this population. There is a need to understand OTs’ perceptions regarding provision of support for the social-emotional needs of CYP with DCD.

Method

A focus group (n = 9) explored issues pertaining to OT support for the social-emotional needs of this population. Qualitative data were analysed through collaborative coding, organization and reorganization following the classic analysis strategy.

Results

Findings suggest that social-emotional support is not explicitly addressed in service provision for CYP with DCD. It appears that OTs know what needs to happen to improve social-emotional outcomes, and have made some progress, but more remains to be done. Holistic service provision depends upon varied factors, many of which are outside individual therapists’ control.

Conclusion

In England, OTs working with CYP with DCD may be providing services in settings not geared to supporting social-emotional needs. This raises concerns as to whether practitioners are enabled to stay true to holistic principles, as well as concerns related to delivering evidence-based practice in light of growing evidence regarding this population’s social-emotional risks.