Measuring participation in children with Gilles de la Tourette syndrome: a pilot study with ICF-CY.

PURPOSE: Environmental factors (EF) have an important role on Tourette's symptoms and the same factors can be decisive on the impact that the disease has on people with Tourette syndrome (TS) daily life. The research was carried out by the Neurological Institute Carlo Besta IRCCS Foundation with the principal objective of describing the complete range of functional profiles of children with TS, to define the functioning and the difficulties in social participation.

METHODS

The research protocol was composed of the ICF-CY questionnaire, WHO-DAS II proxy version, the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale and the Kidscreen questionnaires - Quality of life (QoL) questionnaires for children and adolescents. The research protocol involved a multidisciplinary team (medical staff, psychologist, pedagogist).

RESULTS

The children reported higher QoL's level than the QoL attributed by parents. The Vineland scores reflected considerable difficulties in socialisation. Through the EF analysis, this study highlights the facilitating role of the immediate family and health professionals.

CONCLUSIONS

Beyond the clinical symptoms, this study points out that the therapeutic elements must be identified by a change of environment, and not only in a child's adaptation ability.