Lynn Bar-On

Prof. Dr. Lynn Bar-On


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
10 January 2023 in European Journal of Paediatric Neurology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
NPNicky Peeters
Nicky Peeters
BHBritta Hanssen
Britta Hanssen
LBLynn Bar-On
Lynn Bar-On
FGFriedl De Groote
Friedl De Groote
NBNathalie De Beukelaer
Nathalie De Beukelaer
KDKaat Desloovere
Kaat Desloovere

22 April 2025 in PLOS ONE
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ARAmy De Roubaix
Amy De Roubaix
GWGriet Warlop
Griet Warlop
DDDorine Van Dyck
Dorine Van Dyck
DCDelphine Van Crombrugge
Delphine Van Crombrugge
SASilke Van Den Abbeele
Silke Van Den Abbeele
LBLynn Bar-On
Lynn Bar-On
Background: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is an under-recognized and often trivialized neurodevelopmental condition impacting five to six percent of children. This study aimed to map the impact of DCD on children and their families in Belgium. Methods: The Australian ‘Impact for DCD’ questionnaire was translated and adapted to suit the Belgian context. Parents of 4-to-18-year-old children living in Belgium with movement difficulties consistent with DCD were invited to complete the online survey covering diagnosis, activities, school, therapy, and social and emotional impact. Results: A total of 491 children were included in the analyses. First concerns emerged primarily at home (61.4%) at age 3.3 ± 2.25y, with help sought at age 4.7 ± 2.57y. Formal diagnosis occurred at age 6.9 ± 2.36y, with DCD (76.5%) and/or dyspraxia (38.4%) the most frequently received terms. DCD was generally unknown, especially within school settings. Nearly one in four children (23.2%) repeated a year of school. Reduced sleep quality (50.6%), fatigue after school (76.0%), difficulties with toilet training (47.9%) and speech articulation (52.3%), as well as elevated emotional problems (52.7%) and peer-related issues (46.4%), were prevalent. Most children received therapy (89.2%) but 59.1% of parents did not feel adequately supported to assist their child. Moreover, 37.5% of parents regularly took time off work to facilitate their child’s therapy attendance, while 49.1% had reduced their working hours or were contemplating doing so (16.7%). Parents expressed concerns about their child's future and well-being, with a prominent plea for guidance on supporting their child and increased awareness. Parents reported important strengths in their children, including empathy, creativity, cognitive abilities, perseverance, and good social and/or language skills. Conclusions: These results highlight the significant impact of DCD from parents’ perspectives. The next step is to explore ways to empower and support parents, raise awareness, and collaborate with policymakers to address these challenges.