What Happens to Children with D.C.D. When They Grow Up?
By Dr. Amanda Kirby MBBS MRCGP MFFP
Introduction
In the past few years there has been increased recognition of DCD. The development of organisations such as the Adult Dyspraxia Groups in the UK has an acknowledgement that children grow up and raises the question of the types of difficulties that remain a problem into adulthood and what are the long term outcomes. This is in comparison with other specific learning difficulties such as Dyslexia and ADHD, where greater volumes of research have been undertaken. Certainly in these conditions there has been noted that difficulties remaining often relate to social, emotional and behavioural difficulties1.and the initial difficulty, for example literacy, is less of the problem.
If we are to ensure that there is appropriate support in colleges and in the workplace for individuals with DCD, then there needs to be a greater awareness of the types of difficulties and an idea of the type of support that may need to be put in place.
Most colleges have not yet come to grips with what it means to have students with specific learning difficulties in terms of teaching, academic evaluation, diagnosis, and counselling. In light of both equal opportunity and disability discrimination laws, the need to recognise and support individuals with specific learning difficulties, especially those with DCD is essential .If it not addressed then this can profoundly affect a person's educational and psychosocial development.
This article considers current knowledge of the potential outcome for adults with DCD compared with other groups that have been researched more fully and speculates on some difficulties that have been observed that require further research.
Correspondence address:
Director,
Dyscovery Centre,
Cardiff
e-mail: Amanda.kirby@btinternet.com