Bringing together health and education with lived experience to co-produce a new pathway of assessment and support for Developmental Coordination Disorder/ Specific Developmental Disorder of Motor Function: a Double Diamond approach

Research has shown high levels of under-diagnosis of DevelopmentalCoordination Disorder (DCD). National and international research has shown that pathwaysfor assessment and support for DCD are convoluted, difficult to navigate and are ultimatelynot fit for purpose. This research therefore aimed to bring together all stakeholders involvedin supporting children with motor skill difficulties to co-produce a new pathway. Methods: 13participants attended a half day workshop (January 2025) spanning lived experience (adultand young person), paediatrics, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, school leadership,special educational needs teaching, school nursing, physical needs specialists and reducinginequalities management. A Double Diamond approach was implemented in whichparticipants were taken through four phases cycling through divergence (big picture thinking)and convergence (consensus). Discussions were recorded and transcribed for thematicanalysis. After the workshop, participants completed an online questionnaire to understand(i) acceptability; (ii) potential barriers; and (iii) modifications. Results: consensus wasreached on a new pathway for identifying and supporting children with DCD, and those withsensorimotor difficulties that do not meet thresholds for diagnosis. Participants highlightedthe need for mobilisation of key leaders in health and education as well as the developmentof evidence-based training to facilitate a new pathway. The new pathway includes two tiers –universal provision (school and community) and targeted provision for children that wouldbenefit from specialist clinical support and diagnosis. Conclusion: A Double Diamondapproach to co-production was effective for re-designing the DCD pathway. More research isneeded to understand the feasibility and efficacy of the new pathway in practice.