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Research Article  |   July 2002
Stigma and Its Management: A Pilot Study of Parental Perceptions of the Experiences of Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder
Ruth Segal; Angela Mandich; Helene Polatajko; Joanne Valiant Cook
Author Affiliations
  • Ruth Segal, PhD, OTR, is Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, New York University, 35 West 4th Street, New York, New York 10012; rs108@nyu.edu
  • Angela Mandich, PhD, OT (reg), is Assistant Professor, School of Occupational Therapy, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
  • Helene Polatajko, PhD, OT (reg), is Professor and Chair, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • Joanne Valiant Cook, PhD, OT (reg), is Associate Professor, School of Occupational Therapy, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
Article Information
Neurologic Conditions / Pediatric Evaluation and Intervention / Developmental Coordination Disorder
Research Article   |   July 2002
Stigma and Its Management: A Pilot Study of Parental Perceptions of the Experiences of Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, July/August 2002, Vol. 56, 422-428. doi:10.5014/ajot.56.4.422
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, July/August 2002, Vol. 56, 422-428. doi:10.5014/ajot.56.4.422
Abstract

The findings of a small qualitative interview study with 8 parents of 6 children with developmental coordination disorder are reported. The parents discussed the social consequences of their children’s motor difficulties. The new International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health was used as a framework for the analysis of the interview transcripts. The analysis revealed that the parents believed that their children’s impairments restrict their participation in society. The interactions between impairment and participation are interpreted in the context of stigma and its management. The significance of occupational therapy interventions in the area of physical activity play to children’s social life is discussed.