I Am What I Can Do: Self-Identity Among Adolescents with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)

Purpose of Review: The purpose of this review is to explore how daily participation difficulties among adolescents with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) may affect their development of a positive sense of self-identity. Recent Findings: Adolescents with DCD experience participation difficulties in various areas of their lives, such as physical activities, self-care activities, and academic performance. These difficulties can be accompanied by social isolation, parental overprotectiveness, and reduced opportunities for experience and self-exploration, which may hinder the development of a positive sense of self-identity. Summary: We propose three possible trajectories in which participation has an influence on the self-identity development of adolescents with DCD, and we suggest how to address them in intervention among this population. We also propose the need to address identity formation in service to this population.