Effectiveness of the COOP Group Approach for Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes difficulty in motor coordination both in their learning and in their execution. This disorder affects about 5% of school-age children. The Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) approach is a non-drug intervention technique, focused on solving motor problems where the patient is taught cognitive strategies (in small groups) with a view to acquire and execute motor coordination effectively. It is part of Cognitive-Behavioral techniques (CBT). This is one of the approaches recommended internationally and in France for patients with Developmental Coordination Disorder. In addition, for DCD patients, non-drug interventions in small groups are recommended internationally for this condition. However, few studies are available to validate the CO-OP approach in this format. Since 2013, the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychological Medicine sector 2 (MPEA2) of the University Hospital of Montpellier has offered group interventions for children diagnosed with DCD who are referred to them in current care practice with the CO-OP approach. In view of the major repercussions of DCD on self-esteem, academic and academic success and the development of social ties, this group therapy will restore a life trajectory and improve the quality of life of these patients.