Handwriting Difficulties in Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
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MOTOR DISORDERS (P WILSON, SECTION EDITOR)
Handwriting Difficulties in Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Anna L. Barnett 1
&
Mellissa Prunty 2
Accepted: 11 September 2020 # Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
Abstract Purpose of Review Handwriting is a particular difficulty in DCD. Children who struggle to produce legible and sufficiently fast handwriting may under-achieve at school. Using van Galen’s model, this review examines recent research to describe the nature of handwriting difficulties in DCD. The range of assessment tools is highlighted and recommendations for intervention provided. Recent Findings Embedded in the broader skill of writing, handwriting involves more than motor skill. Children with DCD tend to produce less writing than their peers. Their slow rate of production is characterised by frequent pauses. Errors in letter formation negatively impact on legibility and the quality of written composition is also poor. Different types of assessment help to capture the range of difficulties. Summary Comprehensive assessment helps gain a full understanding of the nature of handwriting difficulties in DCD. International recommendations and guidelines provide a valuable framework for assessment and principles for intervention. Keywords Legibility . Speed . Pauses . Automaticity . Letter formation . Assessment
Introduction to DCD Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is included in the DSM-5, where it is described as a difficulty with tasks that involve motor control and coordination [1]. There is now a large body of research contributing to our understanding of this condition [2] which affects around 2–6% of school-aged children [3]. Although international recommendations are available to guide assessment and intervention in DCD [4••], there remains a lack of awareness of the condition by health and educational professionals [5]. Individuals with DCD struggle to acquire and perform everyday movement tasks required at home, at school, at play/leisure, and in the workplace. Handwriting in particular is an area of difficulty and is often This article is part of the Topical Collection on Motor Disorders * Anna L. Barnett [email protected] 1
Department of Psychology, Health & Professional Development, Oxford Brookes University, Headington Campus, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
2
Division of Occupational Therapy, Brunel University London, London, UK
the reason for referral to an Allied Health Professional [6]. DCD commonly occurs alongside other neurodevelopmental disorders affecting attention, language and reading (e.g. ADHD, DLD and dyslexia), which themselves may impact on writing performance. This review draws on research evidence and current guidelines to outline the nature of handwriting difficulties in DCD, indicate the range of tools available for a comprehensive assessment and provide suggestions for planning intervention.
Handwriting as an Important Component of Writing Handwriting is not just a motor skill and is a crucial component of the overall task of writing. Alongside spelling, h
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