Surveillance and Medicalization of Atypical Motor Development

Abstract

This article theoretically and practically navigates the controversy of whether delayed motor development should be identified through large-scale screening and addressed through the healthcare system with a diagnosis of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) or Dyspraxia. It critically evaluates the surveillance of atypical motor development, using perspectives of the panoptic and synoptic models, evidence-based practice, and considerations of social justice. Moreover, it assesses the extent, consequences, and legitimacy of medicalization, weighing both the benefits and drawbacks. The resulting conclusion on the issues of surveillance and medicalization remains nuanced, dependent on various factors. Through its exploration of surveillance and medicalization, the article highlights the advantages of dismantling and analyzing specific components within these concepts, rather than resorting to oversimplification. This nuanced approach fosters an understanding of surveillance and medicalization that is more comprehensive, encouraging a discourse on the intricate issues of atypical motor development that is both better balanced and informed.

Keywords

• developmental disability
• critical disability studies
• social justice
• developmental coordination disorder
• dyspraxia
• evidence-based practice