My name is Amanda Kirby and I am a professor of developmental disorders at The Dyscovery Centre, University of Wales, Newport. I am carrying out a study looking at the driving experiences of adults with Developmental Co-ordination Disorder.
WHY IS THIS STUDY BEING DONE?
Motor difficulties affect up to 6% of the population. In the past these difficulties have been given a number of names including Dyspraxia and Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD). Until recently there was little knowledge about what happens to children as they grow up into adulthood with difficulties that may have affected them at school and at home. We are hoping to learn more about the day to day driving experiences of adults who have successfully passed their driving test and the learning experiences of those that have struggled to pass their test. We hope that this information will allow us to better inform driving instructors of how to support adults with DCD/Dyspraxia.
WHO IS BEING INVITED TO PARTICIPATE?
Adults over 17 years of age who:
(a) Have a diagnosis of Dyspraxia or Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD).
(b) Think they may have had co-ordination difficulties as a child but may not have received a formal diagnosis.
WHAT DOES THE STUDY INVOLVE?
If you agree to participate in the study you will be asked to complete a short online questionnaire – this will take about 20 minutes. The questionnaire will ask you about past difficulties and medical history to check whether you have motor difficulties that ‘fit’ with the criteria for the study. I can arrange for a paper based version to be sent to you or for a researcher to help you complete the questionnaire over the phone if you would prefer. The questionnaire will also enquire about your experiences learning to drive and your day to day driving experiences (if you have passed your test).
HOW WILL MY INFORMATION BE USED?
Our study and its methods have been approved by an Ethics Committee. Only the research team will be allowed to see your data and in the study you will be known only by number so the information is completely confidential. At the end of the study, when we have tested all participants, we will send you an overall report of results from the study.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Amanda Kirby on 01633 432330 or amanda.kirby@newport.ac.uk.