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Goals and Strategies for Developmental Coordination Disorder

The Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy published research on goals and strategies for developmental coordination disorder (DCD) using a CO-OP approach.  

The Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy published research on goals and strategies for developmental coordination disorder (DCD) using a CO-OP approach.

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that effects motor coordination and participation in everyday activities. Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance (CO-OP) is a client-centered treatment approach that focuses on learning new skills through cognitive strategy use.

Study on Goals and Strategies for Developmental Coordination Disorder

Using a retrospective chart review of 50 children (8-12 years old) who completed CO-OP interventions, the researchers examined which types of goals the children choose most frequently and which domain-specific strategies were most commonly used to address these goals.

The results of the study indicated the following regarding goal setting:

  • Leisure was the most common goal type followed by productivity and then self-care goals.

The data indicated that the following were the most frequently used strategies:

  • Supplementing task knowledge – any verbalization of task specific information or how to get/access task-specific information.
  • Body position – any verbalization of attention to, or shifting of the body, whole or in part, relative to task.
  • Task modification – any discussions regarding the specifics or modification of the task, or parts of the task, or any modification of the task or any action to change the task, or parts of the task.

These findings can help guide occupational therapists and physical therapists in selecting appropriate goals and strategies for developmental coordination disorder in children in order to meet their goals.

Reference

Schwartz, S. P., Northrup, S. R., Izadi-Najafabadi, S., & Zwicker, J. G. (2020). CO-OP for children with DCD: Goals addressed and strategies used. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 0008417420941980.

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Cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance

The Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy published research on goals and strategies for developmental coordination disorder (DCD) using a CO-OP approach.