Developmental coordination disorder in Swedish 7-year-old children

Objective: To estimate the prevalence, comorbidity, and outcome in developm ental coordination disorder (DCD). Method: In this population study of 7-ye ar-olds undergoing individual examination plus teacher and parent lnterview s, children were followed up at ages 8, 9, and 10 years. Results: Severe DC D occurred in 4.9% and moderate DCD in another 8.6%. Boy-girl ratios ranged from 4:1 to 7:1. Children with severe and moderate DCD did not differ from each other on any measure, but both groups were clearly separated from chi ldren without DCD with respect to associated attention deficit symptoms, As perger's disorder symptoms, school dysfunction scores, and outcome. Approxi mately half of all children with DCD had moderate to severe symptoms of att ention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Conclusions: DCD is a common problem, and it is strongly associated with ADHD symptoms. A diagnosis of D CD at age 7 years predicts DCD at age 8 years and restricted reading compre hension at age 10 years. Clinicians need to acquaint themselves with DCD an d its comorbidity so that they can provide better services to affected chil dren.