Factors associated with capability and performance in children with neurodevelopmental disorders: an exploratory cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) have a lower level of independence and major need of assistance to perform daily living skills is one the main concerns of caregivers and therapists of children, adolescents and adults with these disabilities. Aim To identify factors associated with capability and performance in self-care, mobility and social activities in children with NDD. Method A cross-sectional study was performed with 96 children with NDD, most were male (69.8%), with a mean age of 8.53 (± 1.83) years. The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory was used to evaluate capability and performance outcomes. The explanatory variables were intellectual function, motor skills, economic level, and maternal education. Stepwise multiple linear regression models were used. Results The motor skills were the main factor that explained self-care, mobility and social function capability outcomes and, self-care and mobility performance outcomes (p < 0.05). The intellectual function explained only the social function performance outcome (p < 0.05). Moreover, highest economic extracts increased the explanation of outcomes. Conclusion The findings are relevant to understanding the factors associated with performance and capability and performance in self-care, mobility and social activities to help clinicians to make an informed decision based on the best practice evidence for these children. An expanded assessment of functioning and of the environmental factors is necessary to help the planning interventions to improve capability and performance of the children with NDD.