The aim of this review was to gather information on how well authors comply to DSM criteria in their description and selection of children with DCD. We investigated which selection criteria were used in experimental and intervention studies published in the last 5 years (2010-2014). Results on 176 papers are summarized. Compliance to the DSM criteria has improved over this time period. In general, detailed information was provided on motor performance using standardized test scores and cut-off values are reported. Method sections were far less detailed about other DSM criteria (i.e., whether motor coordination problems interfered with activities of daily living and how IQ, other medical conditions or co-occurring disorders were checked). Views on how the new DSM-5 criteria could be specified for clinical and research use are discussed.
Keywords: Developmental coordination disorder (DCD); Motor development; Motor skills; Movement difficulties; Physical activity.
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