International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health in a cohort of children with cognitive, motor, and complex disabilities

Abstract

The recently endorsed World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is proposed as a new tool to describe human functioning and health in a multiprofessional approach for individuals of all ages. Its application to paediatric neurorehabilitation may be of great help, especially in children with complex disabilities. However, experience with its application in this field is still limited. We tested the application of ICF in 40 children (26 males, 14 females; age range 3 to 18 years; mean age 11 years 1 month, SD 5 years 3 months) with various types and degrees of disability. We tested the applicability and reliability of the classification, and studied its correlation with well-established measures of functioning (Verbal IQ; gross motor function measure; functional independence measure). The ICF proved to be applicable and reliable, and strongly correlated with established scales. However, several of the Activity and Participation components do not fully capture the developmental nature of many abilities of children. Our study, although acknowledging the universal application of the ICF, and the ICF's value as a clinical tool, calls for its specific adaptation to accommodate better the peculiarities of child functioning and disability.

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: an effective model for describing young people with cystic fibrosis

“…2008), developmental co‐ordination disorder (Rodger et al . 2003), cognitive, motor and complex disabilities (Battaglia et al . 2004) and specific language impairment (Campbell & Skarakis‐Doyle 2007).…”

Comparação das habilidades auditivas e visuais em paralíticos cerebrais diplégicos

“…The after-effects of D-CP damages will feature several motor, sensory, perceptual and cognitive combinations [1][2][3][4] . It is likely the consequence of focal or diffuse damage can cause simultaneous damages in projection, associative and/or commissural areas that topographically cross the periventricular area 5 .…”

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth and Experience of Its Implementation in Child Rehabilitation

“…Aprašomas straipsnyje tyrimas rodo, kad minėti plačiai taikomi klausimynai atitinka klasifikacijos taksonomiją, tačiau klasifikacijos "Veiklų ir Dalyvumo" kategorijos nevisiškai apima daugelio vaiko gebėjimų raidos pobūdį. Tyrimas, nors ir pripažindamas klasifikacijos taikymą klinikinėje praktikoje, ragina vykdyti specifinį klasifikacijos pritaikymą apimant vaiko funkcionavimo ir negalios ypatumus [31].…”