Language, Speech, and Oral Motor Performance in Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Developmental coordination disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by motor difficulties that significantly and persistently impact activities of daily living and participation. It has been suggested that children with (probable) developmental coordination disorder (pDCD) experience challenges in the domain of language, speech, and oral motor development. Aim: This systematic review provides an overview of recent studies assessing challenges in these domains in children with (p)DCD. Methods: A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and CINAHL, including all peer-reviewed articles published since January 2002 and up to November 2023 reporting on language, speech, or oral motor performance in children with (p)DCD assessed by standardised instruments. Main Contribution: A total of fourteen papers were included. The evidence suggests a higher prevalence of speech, language, and oral motor difficulties in children with pDCD. Conclusion: More high-quality research, preferably longitudinal, is necessary to examine the prevalence of language, speech, and oral motor difficulties in children with DCD. The review highlights the heightened speech, language, and oral motor challenges faced by children with pDCD. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject Developmental coordination disorder impacts the lives of many children. Parents report that children with developmental coordination disorder also may have challenges in language, speech, and oral motor development. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge This study suggests a high prevalence of speech, language, and oral motor difficulties in children with developmental coordination disorder based on standardised measures or diagnosis. What are the potential or actual clinical implications for this work? Clinicians should be aware of a large co-occurrence of developmental coordination disorder and language, speech, and oral motor difficulties to facilitate interventions for the child's difficulties.