Life experiences of young adults who have coordination difficulties

Abstract

Background: Little is known about the impact of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) during adolescence and young adulthood.

Purpose: This study explored the lived experiences of a nonclinical sample of nine university students who reported having significant coordination difficulties.

Methods: A phenomenological approach was used that included two in-depth interviews asking participants to recall retrospectively their experiences throughout adolescence. Transcripts were coded to identify themes, and member-checking supported the credibility of findings.

Findings: Strong pathways of resilience were found with participants who employed cognitive and behavioural strategies to manage their motor differences. Key themes emerged related to managing coordination differences including avoidance/withdrawal/adaptation, seeking compatible activities, using humour, and persevering. As adolescents matured, changing social contexts affected their self-efficacy and others' perceptions of them.

Implications: The findings of this study challenge occupational therapists to move beyond impairment-based interventions to ecological interventions that facilitate social and community participation.