Peer-reviewed article
Occupational therapy intervention for children with developmental coordination disorder: A survey of occupational therapists in Australia.
Hunt J, Zwicker JG, Raynor A, Godecke E ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This survey describes how occupational therapists in Australia treat children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), a condition affecting motor skills and quality of life. Most therapists used activity-focused approaches recommended by international guidelines, but many also used older approaches targeting body structures rather than real-world participation. The study found that occupational therapists' treatment choices were shaped by family circumstances, funding, child factors, and their own experience. While some therapists followed best-practice recommendations, gaps remain between current evidence and everyday clinical practice.
Key points
- 97% of occupational therapists used some form of activity- or participation-oriented intervention for children with DCD
- Only around half used CO-OP (Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance), while two-thirds used task-specific approaches
- 77% used process- or impairment-oriented interventions targeting body structure and function, and 72% used interventions aimed at achieving developmental milestones
- 95% reported providing home and school programmes
- Six key considerations shaped intervention choices: family circumstances, practical supports, child factors, access/funding, child/family goals, and occupational therapist/peer experience
Limitations
This survey describes occupational therapists' self-reported practice only and was conducted with practitioners, not with parents, children, or other service providers. It does not assess whether the interventions described are actually effective for children with DCD or whether self-reported practice matches actual clinical delivery.
Abstract
Introduction Developmental coordination disorder (DCD), a common neurodevelopmental condition, is associated with persistent motor and psychosocial difficulties impacting participation and quality of life. International guidelines recommend activity-/participation-focused, task-specific interventions; however, little is known about how Australian occupational therapists translate these recommendations into clinical practice. This study aimed to describe current Australian occupational therapy intervention for children with (or suspected to have) DCD and identify factors that shape occupational therapists' intervention choices. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to Australian occupational therapists via professional organisations/social media September-October 2020. Eligible participants were registered occupational therapists with ≥15% children in their caseload. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and regressions. Open-ended responses were examined using inductive content analysis. Consumer and community engagement No consumers (e.g., parents or children) or community service providers were involved in the design, implementation, analysis, or dissemination of this research. This study focused on describing occupational therapists' self-reported practice, and the survey was developed and piloted exclusively with occupational therapists. Results One hundred seventy-five occupational therapists met inclusion criteria; 146 completed intervention questions. Most occupational therapists provided individual therapy alongside consultation with parents/educators/other health professionals, and 95% reported providing home/school programmes. Weekly, ongoing sessions were common. Most occupational therapists (97%) used some form of activity-/participation-oriented intervention. Only around half used CO-OP, while two thirds used task-specific approaches; however, more occupational therapists used process-/impairment-oriented interventions targeting body structure and function (77%) and/or interventions aimed at achieving developmental milestones (72%). Six key considerations shaping interventions choices were identified: family circumstances and relationships, practical supports, child factors, access/funding, child/family goals, and occupational therapist/peer experience. Conclusion Australian occupational therapists integrate research evidence, clinical experience, and contextual factors when making intervention decisions for children with DCD. While many use approaches consistent with best practice guidelines, non-recommended practices remain common. Targeted DCD-specific training, improved support for evaluating practice evidence, and addressing funding barriers may align everyday practice with current guidelines.