Mayes Motor-Free Compilation (MMFC) for Assessing Mental Ability in Children with Physical Impairments

Abstract

Currently, no standardised, nonmotor test is available to assess mental ability in children with physical impairments and mental ages below 2 years. Instead, these children are often administered traditional developmental tests that may underestimate mental ability because the tests are heavily loaded with motor items. Underestimation of ability may result in misdiagnoses and inappropriate educational goals. The Mayes Motor-Free Compilation (MMFC) was developed to provide an unbiased assessment of mental ability in young children with motor disabilities. During field testing with over 200 children who had physical impairments, MMFC items were adapted to allow for nonmotor responses. In the present study, the MMFC and Bayley Scales of Infant Development Mental Scale were both administered to normal children under 2 years of age to determine the concurrent validity of the MMFC. Using the BSID-II as the criterion, the findings suggest that the MMFC can provide a valid estimate of mental age, even though items requiring motor skills are not included.