The relationship between motor and mathematical problems in elementary school children

Few co-morbidity studies have been conducted since the Leeds Consensus Statement on developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in 2006. In this Statement, international cut-offs and inclusion criteria were agreed and consequently, the status of DCD changed. Furthermore, most existing co-morbidity studies are small clinical studies, rather than epidemiological studies, resulting in a broad range of co-morbidity rates. DCD has a higher incidence for boys in comparison with girls; questions arise if this preponderance remains the same in combination with other developmental disorders. Therefore, in this study we aimed to determine co-morbidity and gender differences of motor problems in children with a pervasive developmental disorder, a hyperkinetic disorder and/or a speech, language or learning disability. Profiles of 3,608 children (mean age: 9 years 1 month) referred to rehabilitation centres for behavioural, developmental and sensorineural disorders were studied. Motor problems were reported in one-fifth of the total sample. Co-morbidity of motor problems in specific disabilities varied from almost one-fourth to more than one-third. The male/female 1 Based on Pieters, S., De Block, K., Scheiris, J., Eyssen, M., Desoete, A., Deboutte, D., . . . Roeyers, H. (2012). How common are motor problems in children with a developmental disorder: rule or exception? Child: Care, Health and Development, 38, 139-145. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2214.2011.01225.x 2 CHAPTER