Abstract
Aim: A high prevalence of co-occurring Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) has been noted in the population of children with global developmental delays (GDD). The presence of developmental disabilities in general, and DCD in particular, constitute a risk factor for difficulties in social skills. However, to the best of our knowledge, no studies, have examined the unique contribution of DCD to social skills, over and above the effect of other general developmental impairments. The aim of this study was to compare the social skills of kindergarten children with Global Developmental Delay, with and without DCD. Methods: Participants included 26 kindergarten children with Global Developmental Delay and DCD (Mage = 4.92, 61 % boys), and 26 children with Global Developmental Delay without DCD (Mage = 5.09, 69.25 % boys). All participants' parents and kindergarten teachers completed the Social Skills Improvement System Questionnaire (SSIS). Results: Children with GDD only performed significantly better on social skills compared to children with GDD and DCD. Parents in general reported better social skills and less behavioral problems compared to kindergarten teachers. Conclusions: The findings contribute to the accumulating body of knowledge regarding social abilities of children with developmental disabilities and present new information as to the unique effect of DCD in this domain. Routine evaluation of social skills should be conducted among children with GDD and DCD, taking into account the negative influence that motor dysfunction has in this domain. Furthermore, children's social performance in different environments needs to be considered by relating to both parents and kindergarten teachers' perspective. Subsequent intervention programs should then address the unique profile of this population.
Original language | American English |
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Article number | 104105 |
Journal | Research in Developmental Disabilities |
Volume | 119 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 2021 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The authors would like to thank all the children and parents who agreed to participate in this study.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 Elsevier Ltd
Keywords
- Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
- Global Developmental Delay
- Social participation
- Social skills