Article

Children with neurodevelopmental disorders and disabilities (NDD/D) may
experience barriers or restrictions to participation in activities. We examined
the extent to which this is a problem for children in particular NDD/D subgroups.
METHOD: We analysed the 2006 Participation and Activity Limitation Survey
children data set (5-14y) collected by Statistics Canada (n = 7072 and weighted n
= 340 340), having identified the following NDD/D subgroups (weighted n = 77 470;
69.1% males and 30.9% females): gross or gross and fine motor (Motor(+) ),
communication/cognition/learning (CCL), social interaction, neurosensory (vision
or vision and hearing), and psychological. We used logistic regression to assess
differences in participation in supervised and unsupervised physical activities,
educational activities, and social/recreational activities. RESULTS:
Participation in some school-based activities differed significantly among
children in the NDD/D subgroups (p<0.01). Participation in supervised and
unsupervised physical activity was lowest for the Motor(+) and social interaction
subgroups, and highest for the neurosensory and CCL subgroups. Participation for
the psychological subgroup was mostly in the intermediate range. In contrast,
participation in educational activities was lowest for the social interaction and
psychological subgroups, and higher for the other groups. INTERPRETATION: Given
the importance of participation to child health and well-being, these differences
in participation in various in-school activities highlight an area of need
regarding policies/programmes to support subgroups of children with NDD/D.
CI - (c) 2013 Mac Keith Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS