Reconceptualizing Functional Challenges in Adult DCD: Cross-Cultural Validation of the Adult Developmental Coordination Disorder/Dyspraxia Checklist – European Spanish

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The Adult Developmental Coordination Disorder/Dyspraxia Checklist (ADC) is widely used to operationalize Criterion B of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). However, its factor structure appears context-dependent, and its cross-cultural equivalence remains underexplored. This study aimed to (1) develop a cross-culturally adapted version of the ADC for European Spanish, (2) assess its psychometric properties, and (3) determine normative percentile bands for Spanish young adults. Methods: A total of 957 adults aged 18-35 years participated (907 + 25 typically developing adults, 25 peers with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and 10 young adults with DCD), all of whom completed the cross-culturally adapted ADC-ES. Factor structure was examined using exploratory and confirmatory analyses. Reliability and validity evidence was assessed by analyzing internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and well-known group differences. Reference norms were developed using percentile bands. RESULTS: The ADC-ES comprises 28-items grouped into three dimensions: gross motor and perceptual-based activities; task organization, planning and sequencing; and writing. The instrument demonstrated excellent structural validity, high internal consistency and test-retest reliability, and strong construct and criterion validity. CONCLUSION: The ADC-ES is a cross-culturally equivalent, psychometrically sound tool for measuring functional difficulties aligned with Criterion B of DCD. The availability of normative percentile bands supports its application in clinical assessment and research, and facilitates international comparisons to understanding DCD in adulthood.