title: Ecosystemic needs assessment for children with developmental coordination disorder in elementary school: multiple case studies.
abstract: This study explored the needs of children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) from an ecosystemic viewpoint as part of a theory-driven program evaluation process. A multiple case study needs assessment was conducted. Participants included ten children with DCD, their parents (n = 12), teachers (n = 9), and service providers (n = 6). Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, validated questionnaires, and a review of the children's records. The results support the relevance of using an ecosystemic model to assess the needs of children with DCD in their life and social contexts. More specifically, the results highlight the need to provide additional services at school, such as occupational therapy and special education, as well as information and training regarding DCD for parents and teachers. The results also point to the relevant variables to consider in an intervention program based on theory-driven evaluations. This study shows how employing an ecosystemic frame of reference provides a better understanding of the needs of children with DCD. Future research should document the ecosystemic profiles and evolution of the needs of children with DCD with a larger sample from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds using a longitudinal study design.
authors.affiliation: 1Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
authors.forename: Emmanuelle
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Jasmin
authors.forename: Sylvie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tétreault
authors.forename: Jacques
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Joly
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D004519:Education, Special; D004779:Environment Design; D005178:Faculty; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills; D019957:Motor Skills Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D010290:Parents; D012574:Schools; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Developmental coordination disorder; ecosystemic model; needs assessment; school education; school-aged children; social participation