title: Exploring a cognitive intervention for children with pervasive developmental disorder.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) affect approximately 3-4% of the childhood population. PDD pervades every aspect of a child's life, having significant adverse effects on occupational performance.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study investigates a new treatment approach to treating children with PDD, the Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance (CO-OP). CO-OP emphasizes problem-solving strategies and guided discovery of child- and task-specific strategies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three goals were established in collaboration with the parents and the child. Pre- and post-measures of parents'perceptions of child performance were identified using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Repeated measures were taken using clinical observations, video analysis, and the Performance Quality Rating Scale (PORS).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Improved COPM ratings of performance and satisfaction were observed, and these results were paralleled by improved PQRS scores.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Self-report and observer report together provide preliminary evidence of the effectiveness of the CO-OP approach with children who have PDD supporting the use of CO-OP and suggesting further investigation.
authors.affiliation: Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Field of Occupational Science, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada. sphelan2@uwo.ca
authors.forename: Shanon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Phelan
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Steinke
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mandich