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. Purpose. 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. Method. 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 (PQRS). Findings. Improved COPM ratings of performance and satisfaction were observed, and these results were paralleled by improved PQRS scores. Practice Implications. 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.
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