Participation in leisure activities for children with a developmental coordination disorder : A systematic literature review

Sammanfattning: Background: Participating in leisure activities is one positive aspect that promotes a sense of belonging and a social support network, which are beneficial for better health and well-being. Despite this, children with physical disabilities participate less in leisure activities, including children with Developmental Coordination Disorders (DCD). Given that children with DCD suffer from difficulties with bodily function, it is inevitable that they do not participate as much as typically developing children in the activity. However, there is limited literature about how this affects the everyday life of children with DCD. Aim: This systematic literature review aims to identify factors that affect the participation and self-perceptions of children with developmental coordination disorder in leisure activities. Method: A literature search was conducted by searching three different databases (CINHAL, MEDLINE, and ProQuest) which identified 83 peer-reviewed articles using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria from which ten was included in analysis. Results: Children with DCD participate less in leisure activities, becoming less physically active and social. They are also more excluded than typically developing children from certain leisure activities due to limitations related to their motor skills and have a negative view regarding their senses of self in relation to them not participating in leisure activities. Conclusion: Not participating in leisure activities harms children with DCD's sense of self and everyday life. Children with DCD are excluded from participating in leisure activities, and this exclusion takes place on different levels. Not participating in leisure activities results in social isolation and exclusion.