Differences in the support needs of children with developmental disabilities among groups of medical and behavioral needs

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Medical and behavioral needs are relevant in organizing and providing support strategies that improve the quality of life for children, along with their families. The present study aims to examine the impact of medical and behavioral needs on the need for support of children with disabilities. METHODS: Health and education professionals were interviewed using the Supports Intensity Scale-Children’s version to estimate the support needs of 911 children and adolescents (5–16 years) with an intellectual disability, including 55.32% with an additional disability. For data analysis, a model for measuring support needs was specified, consisting of seven support needs factors and three method factors. In estimating the model, four groups of medical and behavioral needs were considered. The factor scores’ means of the groups were compared through t-tests. RESULTS: Medical and behavioral needs had an impact on overall support needs. Differences were found in all support domains for medical needs. The greatest influence of behavioral needs was found in the Social and School participation areas but was indistinguishable between the mild and moderate levels of needs. CONCLUSIONS: Medical and behavioral needs greatly affect the need for support in a child’s daily life, so they need to be considered a priority for support services. The importance of standardized assessments is emphasized to help develop support strategies.