title: Perspectives on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health: Child and Youth version (ICF-CY) and occupational therapy practice.
abstract: Classifying disability for children and youth has typically meant describing a diagnosis or developmental lag. The publication of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: Child & Youth version (ICF-CY) marks a global paradigm shift in the conceptualization and classification of childhood disability. Knowledge and awareness of the ICF-CY has been slow to diffuse within occupational therapy.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this paper is to foster the integration of the ICF-CY into occupational therapy practice with children and youth.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Research describes positive trends in using the ICF-CY for cross-disciplinary communication; further clarity and development is warranted around activity and participation categories and functional profiles.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Occupational therapy can contribute to the evolution of the ICF-CY, but must clarify its complementary perspective and knowledge base. If the ICF-CY can be further integrated into occupational therapy systems, it holds promise for shifting practice patterns and creating professional opportunities.
authors.affiliation: School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. heidi.cramm@queensu.ca
authors.forename: Heidi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cramm
authors.forename: Alice B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Aiken
authors.forename: Debra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Stewart
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006262:Health; D006801:Humans; D038801:International Classification of Diseases; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*