Perspectives on classification of selected childhood neurodisabilities based on a review of literature.

PURPOSE: Classifying children with heterogeneous health conditions is challenging. The purposes of this perspective are to explore the prevailing classifications in children with the three selected neurodisabilities using the underlying framework of ICF/ICF-CY, explore the utility of the identified classifications, and make recommendations aimed at improving classifications.

METHODS: A literature search on six databases and Google was conducted. Articles published between the years 2000 and 2013 were included if they provided information on classification of cerebral palsy (CP), and/or developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and/or autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

RESULTS: Children with DCD and ASD are classified using combinations of multiple measures. The classifications in CP meet more of the proposed criteria for utility than those in DCD and ASD.

CONCLUSION: None of the existing classifications addressed all the criteria. The heterogeneity associated with the selected neurodisabilities poses major challenges. Further work is required to establish improved classifications.