Activity participation of children with complex communication needs, physical disabilities and typically-developing peers

Abstract

Objective: To describe and compare the context of participation of children with physical disabilities and complex communication needs (Group CCN) in out-of-school activities with children with physical disabilities only (Group PD) and typically-developing peers (Group TD).

Method: A cross-sectional, matched, multi-group design was used. Thirty-nine participants between 10-15 years of age were administered the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment.

Results: Kruskall-Wallis analyses revealed that there were significant differences among the three groups for overall location, enjoyment of the activities and with whom they did the social and self-improvement activities with. Mean trends showed that Group CCN participated in activities closer to home rather than in the community, were restricted in social participation and reported higher levels of enjoyment in activity participation than the other two groups.

Conclusions: Group CCN appeared to experience differences in participation when compared to peers with and without disability.