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Should Children with ADHD be Routinely Screened for Motor Coordination Problems? The Role of the Pediatric Occupational Therapist British Journal of Occupational Therapy November 2007 vol. 70 no. 11 483-486 Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly comorbid with movement difficulties, including developmental coordination disorder (DCD). With services being provided from many different areas, it may result in children with ADHD not being screened, and assessed if necessary, for DCD and vice versa. In this study, 69 children attending an ADHD clinic were screened for movement problems, using the parent-completed Movement Assessment Battery for Children Checklist (Henderson and Sugden 1992). The results showed that 19% of the children with ADHD were defined as having a 'movement problem', with a further 16% defined as 'at risk'. With 19% of the children having a movement problem and another 16% considered to be at risk it appears that it would be beneficial for children who are diagnosed with ADHD to also be screened for DCD so that they may qualify for services to help in that area.

Evidence suggests that developmental coordination disorder (DCD) co-occurs with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS). Pediatric occupational therapists working with children with DCD need to consider the impact of co-occurring conditions on the children they assess and treat. A survey investigating the knowledge base and understanding relating to these conditions was conducted. The results showed that therapists (n = 225, response rate 23%) have an understanding of DCD; however, a more detailed knowledge of ADHD and JHS would allow them to consider the impact of the overlapping nature of these conditions. This highlights a training need to ensure understanding of these conditions and appropriate management.