Investigating theory of mind in children with developmental coordination disorder

Theory of Mind in Children With DCD

Not applicable Interventional University Ghent · NCT06183411

This study is testing how well children with developmental coordination disorder understand other people's thoughts and feelings to see if it’s different from kids without this condition.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Ghent Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ghent)
Trial IDNCT06183411 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to explore the concept of theory of mind (ToM) in children diagnosed with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). It will include Dutch-speaking children aged six to twelve from Flanders and the Netherlands, who have been diagnosed by a multidisciplinary team. The assessment will involve the ToM test-R and the MABC-2 for motor skills, with additional questionnaires completed by parents or guardians. The ToM test will be filmed without showing the child's face to ensure privacy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Dutch-speaking children aged six to twelve with a confirmed diagnosis of DCD living in Flanders or the Netherlands.

Not a fit: Patients with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or those with significant intellectual disabilities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of cognitive and motor development in children with DCD, leading to better-targeted interventions.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on ToM in children with DCD is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promising results in understanding cognitive development in related conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age of child: from six to 12 years old
* Confirmed diagnosis of DCD by a multidisciplinary team (including a physician)
* Child lives in Flanders or the Netherlands
* Child has Dutch as the mother tongue

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
* Blood related siblings of the child
* Parent/legal guardian does not have an adequate level of Dutch
* (IQ lower than 70) OR (no IQ information and child attends special education type 1 (mild intellectual disability) or type 2 (moderate to severe mental disability))

Where this trial is running

Ghent

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Developmental Coordination DisorderChildDevelopmentTheory of mind
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.