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Understanding Performance Variability in Developmental Coordination Disorder: What Does It All Mean?

  • Disorders of Motor (PH Wilson, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Developmental Disorders Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Phenotypic variability is a key feature of developmental coordination disorder (DCD). There is not only inter-individual variability but also considerable intra-individual variability, meaning that movement patterns can change remarkably from trial to trial. This review discusses factors contributing to the variability seen in this complex heterogeneous disorder.

Recent Findings

Evidence from neurological and genetic studies will be discussed, in particular those utilising advanced imaging and sequencing protocols attempting to unravel the complex aetiology of DCD. Environmental factors such as experience are also discussed, issues also contributing to the variability seen and challenging our understanding of DCD.

Summary

This review demonstrates that DCD is not dissimilar to other disorders, with clinical phenotype likely to reflect variable areas of brain abnormality influenced by a range of genetic and environmental factors. We highlight important issues that continue to complicate our understanding of DCD and address important implications of variability to consider in future research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Human Sciences M408, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia

    Melissa K. Licari & Jess E. Reynolds

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  1. Melissa K. Licari
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  2. Jess E. Reynolds
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Correspondence to Melissa K. Licari.

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Dr. Licari and Dr. Reynolds have no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Disorders of Motor

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Licari, M.K., Reynolds, J.E. Understanding Performance Variability in Developmental Coordination Disorder: What Does It All Mean?. Curr Dev Disord Rep 4, 53–59 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-017-0112-3

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