The ICF-CY as a Tool for Assisting Children with Disabilities: An Analysis of Its Potential and Limitations

Abstract

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-Children & Youths version (ICF-CY) framework, which is a derivative of the ICF framework, serves as both a conceptual and classification tool developed for children with disabilities. Though it is a potential tool intended for use by clinicians, educators, policy-makers, family members, consumers and researchers to document characteristics of health and functioning in children and youth, it has some pitfalls and limitations in complex coding, time-consuming implementation, and a lack of clear guidelines for age-appropriate classifications. These challenges can hinder its effective use in practice. However, since the ICF-CY provides a framework and structure for collecting and organising information, it may still influence assessment, intervention planning, and outcome evaluation preparation. Using the ICF-CY framework could enhance holistic management for children with disabilities and may also guide researchers and clinicians in their selection of outcome measures for use in research and/or clinical practice, though standard approaches to the evaluation of activities and participation, and environmental facilitators and barriers are required. The psychometric adequacy of the ICF-CY has been doubted due to its low reliability and validity, and therefore it may not be used in totality as a measuring instrument, but rather as a screening tool that classifies functional limitations, participation restrictions, health conditions, their impact on daily activities, and children's functional abilities and intervention needs. The ICF-CY framework has clearly demonstrated the focus of current management practices, as well as strengths and weaknesses in actual practices of childhood rehabilitation.