The playfulness of a child with developmental coordination disorder

This dissertation focuses on how a child with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) experienced playfulness. Playfulness is identified within the literature as a behavioural trait and defined by Bundy using the Theory of Playfulness (Bundy, 1997). An ethnographic case study design is used to observe the play of a child with DCD. A child’s playfulness is analysed using parent and child interviews, Test of Playfulness (ToP), Test of Environmental Supportiveness (TOES) and field notes of the researcher. The analysis uncovered cultural themes in the playfulness of a child with DCD. Those were a concern for safety and the seeking of control over their playful activities. It was also discovered that a child with DCD is capable of playful behaviour as they adjusted their activities to master the social and physical demands of their indoor and outdoor play. The implications of this case study are that parents, teachers, therapists and caregivers need to support and promote playfulness in children with DCD for their future health and well-being