Can gymnastic teacher predict leisure activity preference among children with developmental coordination disorders (DCD)?

The aims of the study were to analyze: (1) whether significant differences exist between children with typical development and children with developmental coordination disorders (DCD) in their preference to participate in leisure activities (2) whether the teacher estimation of activity form (TEAF) evaluation predicts participation preference. Participants were 68 children, aged 6–9.83 years, 35 diagnosed as DCD by pediatrician and based on the Movement ABC (M-ABC) and 33 children with typical development. The controls were matched by age and gender to the DCD group. The children filled the preference for activities of children (PAC) and their sport teacher completed the TEAF.Significant differences were found between the groups in their participation preference based on the PAC items and subscales as well as in the TEAF scores.Significant correlations were found between the TEAF and PAC subscales. TEAF score significantly predicted children's preference to participate in leisure activities.Study results recommend using the TEAF for screening DCD and to further consider participation issues among children with DCD as a preventive aid for consequently socio-emotional implications of DCD.

► Gymnastic teachers may assist in early screening of DCD.
► Teacher estimation of activity form (TEAF) may serve as a tool for screening DCD in the daily school environment.
► TEAF may predict child's preference to participate in leisure activities.
► Intervention for children with DCD should consider their participation in leisure activities.