Developmental Coordination Disorder: adolescents’ school performance from teachers’ perspective

Abstract

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) represents a significant impairment in motor coordination, which impacts negatively school life activities. Ignorance about this disorder might contribute to student dropout and exclusion in the school environment. Using characterization and adopting a qualitative approach, this work aims at understanding teacher’s perceptions of adolescents with probable Developmental Coordination Disorder (pDCD). Data collection techniques included narrative interviews, which were examined through textual discourse analysis. Eleven teachers from the final years of elementary school (who teach Portuguese, Mathematics and Physical Education) and eight adolescents (four identified with pDCD and four without such condition) participated. The investigation was carried out in four public schools in the city of Manaus, Amazonas. Findings indicate that teachers perceive behaviors, actions and attitudes related to pDCD, but do not effectively intervene or assist adolescents because they are unaware of the phenomenon and its associated factors.