MSc Occupational Therapy
“An investigation of the transition from mainstream primary to
secondary schools for children with Developmental Coordination
Disorder in Ireland.”
PARENTAL PARTICIPATION INFORMATION LEAFLET
What is the study about?
This is a study about the transition from mainstream primary to secondary
schools for children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) in Ireland.
Who is conducting the research?
The research is being completed as part of an MSc in occupational therapy by a
student registered with the School of Occupational Therapy at Trinity College,
Dublin. This research is governed by the School of Health Science’s Ethics
Committee in Trinity College Dublin. This study is covered by standard
institutional indemnity insurance. Nothing in this document restricts or curtails
your rights.
What is the purpose of the research?
The purpose of this research is to investigate the transitions from mainstream
primary to secondary school in Ireland for children with DCD. It will focus on
children’s perceptions before and after the transition to establish what difficulties
are anticipated and encountered and how you feel these could be diminished.
Children will include those aged between 11 and 14 who are currently in
mainstream 6th class and are due to transition to 1st year and have a diagnosis of
DCD.
How will it work?
For the purpose of this research, your child will be asked to complete a selfreport questionnaire before and after the transition to investigate their
perceptions of the transition from primary to secondary school. If you decide to
volunteer to participate in this study, you may withdraw at any time. By returning
your child’s completed questionnaire this will is deemed to be parental consent
and child assent (agreement) to engage in the research.
Who can take part in the study?
- Children with a diagnosed Developmental Coordination Disorder (by
occupational therapist, multidisciplinary team or Neurologist).
- Children who are in 6th class of a mainstream education class in the
Republic of Ireland and are about to transition to 1st year in secondary
school.
Who cannot take part in the study?
- Children with an intellectual disability or cognitive impairment.
- Children with any other diagnosis (e.g. ADHD, ASD).
- Children with a speech and language impairment as determined by a
speech and language therapist.
- Children who are in special education.
What happens to my information afterwards?
Your identity will remain confidential. Your name will not be published and will not
be disclosed to anyone outside the research team. The researcher will assign
you a reference number so that nobody else will know your identity. The
investigators may withdraw your participation in the study at any time without
your consent. Data will be analysed along with the information from other
participants, and the resulting themes will be written up as part of the MSc thesis.
All personal information will be stored securely and destroyed after 5 years.
If you wish to engage in the research please contact the researcher on the
details provided below and she will arrange to send you a copy of the
questionnaire through email, post or fax.
Researcher
If you have any questions please contact Sarah Governey at Centenary
House, 35 York Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin on 086-3014019 or
governes@tcd.ie
This research is being carried out under the supervision of Lecturer Katie
Cremin, who can be contacted at the Occupational Therapy Department,
the School of Health Sciences, James’ Hospital, Trinity College Dublin on
01-8963210 or cremink@tcd.ie