Comparative study of occupational performance in children with global developmental delay at 3 and 5 years old

• Main Authors: Patrícia Isabel Candeias Fernandes, Maria Raquel Rodrigues Santana, Susana Cristina Costa Pestana
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidade Federal de São Carlos 2016-07-01
• Series: Cadernos de Terapia Ocupacional
• Subjects: Developmental Disabilities; Child Development; Occupational Performance; Occupational Therapy; Early Intervention.
• Online Access: http://www.cadernosdeterapiaocupacional.ufscar.br/index.php/cadernos/article/view/1337
• ISSN: 0104-4931; 2238-2860

Objectives: This study aims to compare the occupational performance of children with global developmental delay, inserted in SNIPI, and children with typical development, at 3 and 5 years of age, and to verify what functional areas children with global developmental delay feature more difficulties. Method: This is a comparative descriptive study including a sample of 40 participants, and 20 show Typical Development with 20 presenting diagnosis of Global Development Delay. These two groups were divided into two age subgroups of 10 children (aged 3 to 5 years). Results: The Inventory Pediatric Evaluation of Disability was filled out by parents and the results show that occupational performance of children with developmental delay, inserted in SNIPI is lower than those with typical development, with 3 and 5 years old, in the areas personal, mobility and socialization autonomy. Conclusion: The publication of more studies related to the practice of occupational therapy in Portugal is crucial, thus contributing to the knowledge of professionals and students in this scientific area. In addition, more and more evidence-based practice is an approach adopted by health professionals, including occupational therapists, and to this end it is extremely important to carry out newer studies locally in Portugal.