Epidemiological Study of Children with Development Coordination Disorders

Abstract

The objectives of the study is to determine the epidemiology of dyspraxia among preschool children in Alexandria. Method of the study: a case control study was designed. The sample of the study was 33 children (26 ♂ and 7 ♀) with dyspraxia and 33 normal children as a control. Both groups were subjected to the followings a) screening phase, b) developmental assessment and, c) clinical assessment. The results: Males are significantly affected more than females (p= 0.037). Prematurity (p= 0.012), allergic disease (p= 0.004), and positive family history (p= 0.000) are significant factors for dyspraxia. Dyspraxic children have significantly behavior problems (p=0.008), speech disturbance (p=0.000), and lack of imaginative play (p<0.0001). Conclusion dyspraxia is more common in males than females. Behaviour problems, speech disturbance and lack of imaginative play are more common in dysproaxic.

Keywords

• dyspraxic
• developmental coordination disorders
• diagnostic and statistical manual of diseases
• international classification of diseases