Association Between Developmental Coordination Disorder Traits, Autistic Traits, and Emotional/Behavioral Problems in Japanese Preschool Children
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15718323 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Sumika Fujisawa (0009-0004-4724-1204, Ochanomizu University, corresponding author), Aya Saito (0000-0002-8537-5949, Ochanomizu University), Masumi Sugawara (Shirayuri University), Akio Nakai (Mukogawa Women's University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 420-420 |
| Publication date | 2025-03-27 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Children (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2227-9067 • E-ISSN: 2227-9067 |
| Publisher | Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3390/children12040420 |
| PMID | 40310059 |
| OpenAlex | W4408927854 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 43 |
Background/Objectives: Few studies have examined the association between developmental coordination disorder (DCD) traits and emotional/behavioral problems in preschool children, considering the influence of autistic traits. Furthermore, no consistent results have been obtained. The aim of this study was to investigate how DCD traits in preschool children are related to emotional/behavioral problems, controlling for the effects of autistic traits. Methods: A questionnaire survey was administered to 277 parents of children (154 boys, 73.0 ± 3.8 months) who underwent the school physical examination in Y city near Tokyo, Japan, from October to December 2021. The Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire-Japanese version (DCDQ-J) was used to measure DCD traits, the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ) was used to measure autistic traits, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to measure emotional/behavioral problems. In the hierarchical multiple regression analysis, the SDQ was the dependent variable, with gender entered in Step 1, ASSQ in Step 2, and DCDQ in Step 3. Results: The results showed that autistic traits are associated with preschool children's emotional/behavioral problems, but even after controlling for autistic traits, higher DCD traits had a relationship with higher conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, and peer problems and lower prosocial behavior of preschool children. Conclusions: This result indicates the need for the support of children with motor skill difficulties. Additionally, a focus on mitigating DCD traits not only improves motor skills but also prevents emotional/behavioral problems in preschool children
Association (psychology · Autism · Autism spectrum disorder · Autistic traits · Developmental psychology · Psychotherapist · Child Development and Digital Technology · Children's Physical and Motor Development · Clinical Psychology · Infant Development and Preterm Care · Psychology
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
International clinical practice recommendations on the definition, diagnosis, assessment, intervention, and psychosocial aspects of developmental coordination disorder
The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
The relationship between motor skills and psychosocial factors in young children
| Highly cited | No |
|---|