Effectiveness of CO-OP Approach for Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Occupational Therapy
• Pediatrics
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) present significant challenges to children's daily functioning.
• The Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) approach is a client-centered, goal-directed intervention.
• Evidence on the effectiveness of the CO-OP approach for children with NDDs requires systematic evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the scientific evidence on the effectiveness of the CO-OP approach for children diagnosed with NDDs.
• To synthesize findings related to the impact of CO-OP on occupational performance, activity, and participation.
• To identify gaps in the current research and suggest future directions.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, etc.) for studies published between 2001 and 2022.
• Eligibility criteria focused on studies assessing CO-OP's effectiveness in children aged 0-18 with NDDs, excluding non-English/French and unpublished works.
• Study quality was appraised using the PEDro-P scale or RoBiNT, with data synthesized following PRISMA guidelines.

Main Results:

• Twenty studies were included in the review, with varying levels of evidence (III, IV, and V).
• Significant improvements were consistently observed in the activity and participation domains for children receiving the CO-OP approach.
• Group therapy sessions demonstrated promising outcomes for enhancing activities, participation, and psychosocial aspects like self-esteem.

Conclusions:

• The CO-OP approach demonstrates a positive impact on the functional abilities of children with NDDs, particularly in activities and participation.
• Group therapy models using CO-OP show potential for broader application and benefit.
• Further high-quality experimental research is needed to determine effect sizes and refine therapeutic protocols.