Emerging Adulthood and Developmental Co-ordination Disorder

The interest in Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) in emerging adulthood has grown in recent years, and it is now acknowledged that the signs and symptoms of DCD persist into adolescence and adulthood. Nevertheless, the long-term impact of DCD is still poorly understood, and little is known about positive orientations of young adults with DCD. This review discusses some of the persisting features of DCD, with a particular emphasis on psychosocial difficulties, self-perception and the impact of comorbid developmental disorders. The role of the parent in emerging adulthood in DCD is an area that has received little research focus, but it seems likely that parents have a key role to play in positive outcomes. The need to provide appropriate assessment, intervention and support for young adults with DCD is discussed in terms of the need to provide comprehensive and continued support for all aspects of the disorder, which also takes into consideration the impact of DCD on the wider family unit.