Classification in Childhood Disability

Abstract

Classification systems in health care are usually based on current understanding of the condition. They are often derived empirically and adopted applying sound principles of measurement science to assess whether they are reliable (consistent) and valid (true) for the purposes to which they are applied. In the past 15 years, the authors have developed and validated classification systems for specific aspects of everyday function in people with cerebral palsy--gross motor function, manual abilities, and communicative function. This article describes the approaches used to conceptualize each aspect of function, develop the tools, and assess their reliability and validity. We report on the utility of each system with respect to clinical applicability, use of these tools for research, and the uptake and impact that they have had around the world. We hope that readers will find these accounts interesting, relevant, and applicable to their daily work with children and youth with disabilities.

A Proposed Functional Abilities Classification Tool for Developmental Disorders Affecting Learning and Behaviour

“…Functional classification systems are already standard in the field of cerebral palsy (i.e., Gross Motor Function Classification System and Manual Abilities Classification System) (Rosenbaum et al, 2014). Tools to measure functional abilities related to DDALB have been developed (Simeonsson et al, 1995;Bates et al, 2006;Greenspan and Wieder, 2008;Castro and Pinto, 2015); however, widespread practical implementation (e.g., in schools) continues to present a challenge.…”

“…The field of disability has shifted its focus to a transactional, dimensional-based biopsychosocial approach, focusing on functioning and participation in individuals with disabilities (Rosenbaum et al, 2014). The advantages of dimensional profiles complementary to categorical diagnosis have been described (Hudziak et al, 2007).…”

<b>A experiência da família de crianças com paralisia cerebral: significados e desafios do cuidado/ The experience of families of children with cerebral palsy: meanings and challenges of care<b>

“…A paralisia cerebral (PC) ou encefalopatia crônica não progressiva é uma condição bem reconhecida de alteração no desenvolvimento dos sistemas motor e neurológico que se manifesta na primeira infância, usualmente antes dos 18 meses de idade (1) . Nos países desenvolvidos, a prevalência tem uma variação de 1,5 a 2,5 por 1000 nascidos vivos.…”

The Effectiveness of Parental Questionnaires in the Assessment of Speech-Language and Auditory Function in Children

“…Individuals with significant communication disabilities have noted that the types of communication partners and the speed of communication are important factors for participation [15]. Thus, the Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) was developed to classify communication performance at the level of activity and participation (as defined by the WHO-ICF [16-18]). The CFCS has adequate content validity and interrater and test- retest reliability [16-24].…”

“…Thus, the Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) was developed to classify communication performance at the level of activity and participation (as defined by the WHO-ICF [16-18]). The CFCS has adequate content validity and interrater and test- retest reliability [16-24]. It has been translated into more than 20 languages (free to download at www.cfcs.us).…”