Bio-psychosocial factors related to adolescents and adults with DCD and intervention practices: a scoping review

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is known to persist beyond childhood. However, the extent and nature of the research concerning adolescents and adults is unknown. This scoping review maps the existing research on adolescents and adults with DCD from a bio-psychosocial perspective and summarizes relevant evaluation tools and interventions. The PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews was followed. Six databases of publications between 2000 and 2024 were searched, using terms related to DCD and age (16–65 years old). Eighty-six manuscripts met the criteria and were analyzed according to terms related to the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) categories, as well as to life satisfaction, quality of life (QoL), evaluation tools and intervention. Most studies focused on body structure and functions, as well as participation, showing that difficulties persist beyond childhood. No intervention studies were found, and only a few reported on the development of age-appropriate evaluation tools of motor performance. Results clearly reflect the need for the development and future research on age-appropriate standardized evaluation tools and intervention protocols. These are needed to address the challenges faced by adolescents and adults with DCD in motor and executive dysfunction-related daily life activities and QoL. Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder which impacts individuals’ performance and participation in daily activities, their health and well-being.Most of the research related to DCD has focused on children, and the knowledge concerning adolescents and adults is limited.This scoping review shows that although the DCD-related difficulties of adolescents and adults continue to impact their participation in daily activities and well-being, no intervention or rehabilitation programs exist for this population.This review serves as a guideline for developing intervention protocols which address the unique challenges faced by adolescents and adults with DCD. Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder which impacts individuals’ performance and participation in daily activities, their health and well-being. Most of the research related to DCD has focused on children, and the knowledge concerning adolescents and adults is limited. This scoping review shows that although the DCD-related difficulties of adolescents and adults continue to impact their participation in daily activities and well-being, no intervention or rehabilitation programs exist for this population. This review serves as a guideline for developing intervention protocols which address the unique challenges faced by adolescents and adults with DCD.