Motor coordination difficulties in 5-6-year-old children with severe behavioural and emotional problems

Abstract

Incidence, severity and types of motor difficulties in children with severe behavioural and emotional problems were evaluated. A group of 6-year-olds (n=29) with such problems and controls (n=29) were compared on the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (M-ABC). The groups were compared on total scores as well as manual dexterity, ball skills and balance. Individual M-ABC profiles were compared with Teacher's Report Form profiles. It was found that 62.1% in the high-risk group and 20.7% in the control group showed motor coordination difficulties. In the high-risk group 55.2% fulfilled the criteria of the DSM-IV for developmental coordination disorder, compared to 3.4% controls. The high-risk group showed significant difficulties within all sub-areas of the M-ABC. There was a significant relationship between attention problems and manual dexterity difficulties. The combination of problems identified makes these children vulnerable with regard to school inclusion and in need of proper assessment and intervention.